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THE 

j^IFE  AND  CHARACTER 

OF 
» 

STEPHEN  DECATUR ; 

LATE 

COMMODORE  AXD  POST-CAPTAIJs 

IN   THE 

NAVY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

t 

NA  VY-COMMISSIONE  R  *> 

INTERSPERSED  WITH   BRIEF  NOTICES  OF  THE  ORIGIN,  PRO- 
6RESS,    AND  ACHIEVEMENTS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  NAVY. 


'OUR  CHILDREN--THEY  ARE  THE  PROPERTY  OF  OUR  COUNTRY.' 

Toast  of  Comm  Decatur's  Father,  1304. 


^*% 


BY  BTUTNAM  WALDO,  ESQ. 

■tier  of  "  Bobbins'   Journal,"    author  of  the  «•  President's  To'jr:'J 
'■  Memoirs  of  Jackson,"  &c.  &e. 


HARTFORD, 
PRINTED  BY  P.  B.  GOODSELL* 


1821. 


STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT,  ss. 
L.S.  BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  eighth  day  of 
January,  in  the  forty-fifth  year  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  S.  Putnam  Waldo,  of  the  said  district, 
hath  deposited  in  this  oilice  the  title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof 
he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  :— u  The 
Life  and  Character  of  Stephen  Decatur  ;  late  Commodore  and 
Po?t-Captain  in  the  Navy  of  the  United  States,  and  Navy  Com- 
missioner :  interspersed  with  brief  notices  of  the  origin,  progress 
and  achievements  of  the  American  Navy.  '  Our  Children,  they 
are  the  Property  of  our  Country.'— Toast  of  C-omm.  Decatur's 
Father,  1804.  By  S.  Putnam  Waldo,  Esq.  Compiler  of  "Rob- 
bins1  Journal,"  author  of  the  "  President's  Tour,"  "Memoirs  of 
Jackson,"  &c.  kc.  In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States,  entitled  "  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of 
learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps.  Charts  and  Books,  to 
the  authors  and  pnoprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  there- 
in mentioned."  CHAS.  A.  INGERSOLL, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 
^  A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 

CHAS.   A.  INGERSOLL. 
*  Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 


TO  THE 

SECRETARY,   COMMISSIONERS,   OFFICERS, 

AND  SEAMEN, 

OF    THE 

NAVY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

ACCOMPLISHED  AND  GALLANT  MEN, 

PE  EIM.1T  an  American  Citizen,  as  a  small  tribute  of  admiration 
for  your  naval  science,  nautical  skill,  and  gallsnt  achievements, 
to  oiler  this  volume  to  you.  He  hopes  to  find  a  shield  for  its 
imperfections,  in  the  frankness  and  candour  of  your  characters. 
It  would  be  tne  consummation  of  vanity  to  suppose  that  any  efforts 
of  his,  could  elevate  the  character  of  STEPHEN  DECATUR  in 
your  estimation;  and  it  is  a  real  consolation  to  reflect  that  it  can- 
not be  depressed  by  the  manner  in  which  it  is  portrayed.  The 
very  brief  and  imperfect  motives  of  the  achievements  of  the 
American  Navy,  as  connected  with  the  Life  and  Character  of 
Commodore  Decatur,  wiil  be  excused  from  the  extreme  brevity 
with  which  they  are  alluded  to.  The  splendour  of  your  achieve- 
ments has  given  to  the  American  Republic,  an  exalted  rank 
through  the  Eastern  World— the  hopes  of  the  Western  Hemis- 
phere are  fixed  upon  the  American  Navy. 
With  undissem bled  respect, 

I  am*your  admirin?"  fellow-citizen. 

S.  PUTNAM  WALDO, 


TO  THE  READER. 

THE  splendid  and  unsurpassed  achievements  of  the  American, 
Navy  in  the  second  war  between  the  Republic  and  the  British 
Empire,  drew  forth  the  undivided  applause  of  Americans,  and 
excited  the  deepest  solicitude  of  Englishmen, 

The  author  added  his  feeble  note  to  the  harmonious  concord  of 
approbation,  and  rapture,  produced  by  our  naval  triumphs. 
Having-  for  the  past  year,  directed  his  researches  to  the  earlier 
periods  of  our  naval  power,  and  in  succession  to  this  period,  he 
had  gathered  materials  for  a  "  bird's  eye  view"  of  the  Navy, 
and  more  copious  ones  for  the  Biography  of  STEPHEN  DECA- 
TUR. The  work  was  commenced  some  time  previous  to  the 
disastrous  event  Avhich  terminated  the  brilliant  career  of  that  un- 
surpassed Naval  Tactician,  and  gallant  Ocean  Warriour. 

As  he  commenced  his  naval  life  with  the  commencement  of  the 
Navy,  it  became  necessary  to  blend  with  the  memoir,  the  most 
signal  events  of  the  naval  warfare  with  the  French  Republic,  al- 
though he  then  acted  in  a  minor  station. 

In  the  expeditions  to  the  Mediterranean,  and  the  great  achieve- 
ments in  that  renowned  sea,  in  the  administration  of  Mr.  Jef- 
feusobt,  Decatur  was  constantly  in  the  van  of  our  squadrons ; 
and  gallantly  led  in  almost  every  daring  and  glorious  achieve- 
ment. It  therefore  became  necessary  to  be  somewhat  minute  in 
describing  them.  The  materials  from  which  his  deeds  and  these 
achievements  are  detailed,  are  chieily  derived  from  memoranda 


V1-  T0  THE  READER. 

gathered  by  the  writer  for  some  years  past,  from  the  officers  of 
the  American  Squadron,  with  some  of  whom,  he  has  enjoyed  the 
houour,  the  pleasure,  and  the  instruction  of  some  acquaintance. 
Of  the  authenticity  of  their  modesty  yet  precise  communications, 
not  a  moments  doubt  can  be  entertained.  As  no  quotations  are 
made  from  any  publications  extant,  no  references  are  made  to 
them. 

The  facts  and  incidents  of  Commodore  Decatur's  more  recent 
life,  were  derived  from  personal  intercourse  with  gentlemen  of 
the  Navy — communications  from  obliging  correspondents,  and 
those  invaluable  publications  "Nit.es1  Weekly  Register" 
and  the  "  Analectic  Magazine,"  to  which  every  American 
reader,  and  writer,  are  so  essentially  indebted,  as  repositories  of 
the  most  important  and  interesting  facts. 

The  writer  is  sensible  that  the  great  leading  events  of  Deca- 
tur's Life,  and  of  the  American  Navy,  are  familiar  with  many 
readers  ;  but  if  by  blending  with  them  incidents  not  generally 
known,  he  has  rendered  new  things  familiar,  and  by  his  manner 
of  detail  he  has  rendered  familiar  things  neiv,  he  will  have  ac- 
complished the  object  of  this  volume. 

The  volume  is  offered  to  th  ■  reader,  not  u  with  frigid  mdiffer- 
^nce"  as  to  commendation  or  censure  ;    and  if  the   same  indul- 
gence is  extended  to  this,  as  to  the  other  hasty  production  of  the 

writer,  his  gratification  will  be  augmented. 

THE  AUTHOR 
Hartford,  January  8,  1821. 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  I. 

[introductory.] 

Naval  Heroes  identified  with  Naval  Glory — Commercial  enter- 
prise of  Americans — British  jealousy  against  American  Colo- 
nies—  First  dawning  of  Naval  Glory  amongst  Americans — Con- 
stellation of  Ocean- Warriours — Stephen  Decatur.      P.  13 

CHAPTER  II. 

Decatur's  birth — Birth-places — Difference  between  beginning 
and  ending  great  names — Brief  notice  of  Decatur's  ancestors 
— His  father,  one  of  the  original  Post-Captains  in  the  American 
Navy — Dedication  of  his  sons  to  the  Republic — The  inestima- 
ble value  of  the  Legacy.  19 

CHAPTER  III. 

Extinction  of  Naval  Power  and  Naval  Spirit  at  the  close  of  the 
Revolution — A  Seventy-four  presented  to  Louis  XVI. — Con- 
jecture concerning  her — Astonishing  effects  of  Naval  Power 
— Encroachments  upon  American  Commerce  and  humiliation 
ef  American  Seamen — Act  of  Congress  1794  for  building  six 
Frigates — Enthusiasm  excited  by  it — Frigate  Constitution — 
Achievements'of  Truxton,  Little,  Szc. — Anecdotes  of  the  elder 
Decatur  and  Tryon — Midshipman  Stephen  Decatur.  28 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Stephen  Decatur's  early  education — Peculiar  advantages  enjoyed 
by  him — Enters  the  frigate  United  States  as  Midshipman  1798 
— Promoted  to  Lieutenant — Cruises  in  the  West  Indies  against 
the  French — Enters  the  brig  Norfolk  as  1st  Lieutenant  17,99 — 
Sails  to  the  Spanish  Main — Re-enters  frigate  United  States — 
Barbarism  of  French  and  Spanish  to  American  Seamen — Vic- 
tories of  Truxton,  Little,  &lc. — Humiliation  of  the  French — 
Peace  with  France — R.e  wards  for  heroism.  41 

CHAPTER  V. 

Progress  of  the  American  Navy — Reduction  of  it  by  Act  of  Con- 


VIII.  CONTENTS. 

gress — Amount  of  it  in  1801 — Lieut.  Decatur's  views  and  de- 
termination—  Depredations  of  Barbary  states  upon  American 
commerce — Measures  of  the  American  government — Decatur 
enters  into  the  first  Mediterranean  squadron  as  1st  Lieut,  of 
the  frigate  Essex — his  unremitting  vigilance  as  a  disciplinari- 
an— Address  to  his  seamen.  50 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Lieut.  Decatur  sails  in  the  frigate  Essex  to  the  Mediterranean. 
l'-JOl,  in  the  first  American  Squadron — Hazard  of  this  enter- 
prize — Captain  Sterrett's  victory  in  the  Schooner  Enterprise — 
Impatience  of  Lieut.  Decatur  in  a  blockading  ship — He  re- 
turns to  America  in  the  Essex — National  glory  and  National 
taxes — Lieut.  Decatur  joins  the  second  Mediterranean  Squad- 
ron as  1st  Lieut,  of  the  frigate  New  York — Sails  to  the  Medi- 
terranean— Incessant  attention  to  duty — Returns  in  the  New 
York  to  Ameiica.  61 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Lieut.  Decatur  ordered  to  take  command  of  the  brig  Argus — 
Fortunate  and  unfortunate  ships — Ideas  of  seamen  concerning 
them — He  sails  in  the  Argus,  and  joins  the  third  Mediterrane- 
an Squadron  under  Com.  Preble — Com  Preble  and  the  Em- 
peror of  Morocco — Decatur  leaves  the  brig  Argus,  and  takes 
command  of  the  schooner  Enterprize — Disastrous  loss  of  the 
frigate  Philadelphia  — Lieut.  Decatur  captures  a  Tripolitan 
corsair,  and  calls  her  "Ketch  Intrepid" — Rendezvous  at  Sy- 
racuse— Brief  Sketch  of  Jussuff,  Bashaw  of  Tripoli—  Sufferings 
of  Copt.  Bainbridgf  and  crew  —  Lieut  Decatur  volunteers  to 
attempt  the  destruction  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia.  75 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Improper  estimate  of  battles— Lieutenant  Decatur  sails  for  Tri- 
poli in  the  K<  tch  Intrepid — Baffled  by  adverse  winds — diminu- 
tion of  provisions  —  Reaches  the  harbour  of  Tripoli  lfSth  Feb. 
J804 —  Loses  the  assistance  of  the  Syren  and  the  hoats— Enters 
the  harbour  with  the  Ketch  Intrepid — Boards  the  Philadelphia, 
followed  by  Morris,  Lawrence,  IVTacdohough  and  the  crew — 
Cormv  Is  the  Turks  to  surrender — Sets  the  Philadelphia  fh* crate 
on  fire,  and  secures  his  retreat — Gen.  Ea  on  and  Caramalli — 
Const  n  of  Bashaw — Joy  of  American  prisoners — Small 

force  of  Comm.  Preble.  100 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Lip?it°nnwt  Decatur  promoted  to  thp  rank  of  Captain — Prepa- 
rations for  a  general  attack  upon  Tripoli— Capt.  Decatur  take* 


CONTENTS.  IX. 

command  of  a  division  of  Gun-boats — Disparity  of  force  be- 
tween his  and  the  enemy's — He  grapples  and  captures  a  Tri- 
politan  boat — Is  bearing  for  the  squadron  with  his  prize — Hears 
of  the  treacherous  murder  cf  his  brother,  Lieut.  James  Decatur 
— Returns  to  the  engagement,  and  followed  by  Midshipman 
Macdonou^h  and  nine  seamen,  boards  the  enemy's  boat — 
Slays  the  Turk  who  slew  his  brother,and  bears  his  second  prize 
to  the  squadron — Other  achievements  of  the  Squadron,  Bom- 
bards, and  Gun-boats — Effects  of  the  attack  upon  the  Ba- 
shaw, and  Tripolitans.  114 

CHAPTER  X. 

Oapt.  Decatur  receives  high  commendations  from  Comm.  Preble- 
-Grief  at  the  death  of  Lieut.  J.  Decatur — Notice  of  him — 
Proposals  of  the  Commodore  to  the  Bashaw — Renewal  of  the 
attack  upon  Tripoli — Capt.  Somers,  Lieuts.  Wadsworth  and 
Israel  enter  into  the  squadron  of  the  enemy's  boats  with  the 
Ketch  Intrepid  as  a  fire  ship — She  explodes  ! — Awful  effects  of 
the  explosion — Reflection— Notice  of  Lieut.  Wadsworth— Com. 
Preble  superseded  by  Comm.  Barron — Brief  notice  of  Edward 
Preble.  130 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Capt.  Decatur  takes  command  of  the  frigate  Constitution — ■ 
Perfection  of  discipline  in  the  American  Navy — He  takes 
command  of  the  frigate  Congress — Peace  with  Tripoli — • 
Emancipation  of  Capt.  Bainbridge,  his  officers  and  seamen — 
Meeting  between  them  and  Capt.  Decatur,  American  officers 
and  seamen  of  the  Squadron — Captain  Decatur  returns  to  A- 
merica  in  the  frigate  Congress — Visits  his  father,  Commodore 
Decatur,  at  Philadelphia — He  is  appointed  Superintendant  of 
Gun-boats — Marries  Miss  Wheeler,  of  Norfolk,  (Vir.) — Su- 
persedes Comm.  Barron,  and  takes  command  of  the  fri- 
gate Chesapeake — "  Aflair  of  the  Chesapeake" — Captain 
Decatur  takes  command  of  the  Southern  Squadron  as  Com- 
modore. 145 

# 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Commodore  Decatur  takes  command  of  the  Frigate  United 
States — Interview  with  Capt.  John  Surnarn  Carden,  in  time 
of  peace — British  Naval  Officers  on  American  station  before 
the  commencement  of  War— -Declaration  of  War  against  G. 
Britain — Immense  disparity  of  naval  force  between  America 
and  Britain — Comm.  Decatur  puts  to  sea  from  New  York, 
June  21st  1812 — Makes  an  extensive  cruise  and  enters  the 
port  of  Boston — Sails  from  thence  8th  October — Upon  the  25th 
captures  the  frigate  Macedonian — His  official  account  of  the 


X.  CONTENTS. 

action — Length  of,  and  incidents  in  the  action — Meeting  of 
Comtn.  Decatur  and  Capt.  Carded — Dreadful  slaughter 
in  the  Macedonian — Arrival  of  frigate  United  States  and  l'iat 
ship  at  New  London — Reception  of  Flag  at  Washington — 
Arrival  at  New  York — Reception  there — Comm.  Decatur's 
humanity.  163 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Honours  conferred  upon  Coram,  Decatur — He  takes  command 
of  a  Squadron — Immense  disparity  between  American  and 
British  Naval  force  on  the  American  coast — List  of  both — 
Comm.  Decatur  sails  from  New  York  in  Squadron — His  ship 
struct  by  lightning — Sails  for  a  British  74 — i'etreats  to  New 
London — Prepares  for  defence — Raz.  is  —  British  Squadron — 
Contrast  between  Hard:/  and  Cockburn — Stratagems  of  War 
—  Passport  for  the  bodies  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow — Coram. 
Decatur  attempts  to  escape — Blue  Lights — Steam  Frigate — 
Challenge  to  the  enemy — Impressed  seamen — Dignified  and 
humane  officers-- Comm  Decatur  and  Comm.  Macdonough.  190 

CHAPTER  XIV. 


Comm.  Deeatur  dismantles  the  frigates  United  States  and 
Macedonian — Achievements  of  the  Essex,  Capt.  Porter — -Ex- 
pedition to  the  East  Indies  resolved  upon  by  the  Navy  Depart- 
m  nt — The  Squadron  for  that  service — Comm.  Decatur  de- 
signated as  commander  of  it — Sails  in  the  frigate  President, 
encounters  and  beats  the  frigate  Endymion,  and  surrenders  to 
the  lohole  British  -'quadron  -His  official  account  of  the  action 
—  Additional  particulars — Falsehoods  of  an  English  editor, 
and  the  consequences  of  them —  The  remainder  of  Comm.  De- 
catur's Squadron,  Hornet  and  Peacock.  224 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Comm.  Decatur  returns  from  his  fourth  cruise — Reception — 
Peace  ratified — Scenes  of  domestic  felicity — Depredations 
of  Barbary  powers—By  whom  instigated — Squadron  to  chas- 
tise and  humble  them — Comm.  Decatur  appointed  to  command 
the  first  Mediterranean  Squadron  in  18  '5 — Victory  over  Alge- 
rine  Admiral — Consternation  of  the  Dey — Indemnifies  Ame- 
ricans and  concludes  a  Treaty  of  Peace — Comm.  Decatur  de- 
mands and  receives  indemnification  from  Tunis  and  Tripoli 
for  British  violations — Demands  release  of  Christian  captives 
.—Restores  th<-  m  to  Naples,  and  is  honoured  by  the  King — Sur- 
renders squadron  to  Comm.  Bainbrtdge,  and  returns  to  Ame- 
rica— Comm.  Bainbrid<re—  Respect  paid  to  him.  242 


CONTENTS.  XI, 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Recapitulation  of  Comm.  Decatur's  achievements  &:c.  in  the 
Mediterranean  in  1815 — Rewards  by  promotion — Necessity 
of  different  grades  of  office— Arduous  duties  of  Department 
of  the  Navy — Board  of  Navy  Commissioners  established — 
Comm.  Decatur  appointed  Navy  Commissioner — Duties  of 
the  Navy  Commissioners — Responsibility  of  the  office — Na- 
val  Architecture—  Rates  of  Ships— Comparative  power- 
Annual  expense  of  ships  of  different  rates— Improvement  in 
Ship-building — Inventions*-- Assiduity  of  Comm.  Decatur— 
Honours  paid  him— Difficulty  of  designating  Officers— Comm. 
Macdonough— Conim.  Barron.  259 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Comm.  Barron  solicits  a  command  in  the  Navy — Comm.  Deca- 
tur's opinion  as  to  his  re-admission  into  the  Navy— The  unfor- 
tunate misunderstanding  between  them— It  eventuates  in  a 
challenge  to  single  combat,  from  Barron  to  Decatur— Duel- 
ling—Result  of  the  meeting— Immediate  effects  of  it— -Hon- 
ours to  the  remains  of  Comm.  Decatur — Funeral  ceremonies 
at  his  interment— -His  Character^  £84 


*v  »  *■ 


LIFE  AND  CHARACTER 


OF 


STEPHEN  DECATUR,  &c. 


CHAPTER  I. 

[introductory.] 

j^aval  Heroes  identified  with  Nava]  Glory — Commercial  enter- 
prise of  Americans — British  jealousy  against  American  Colo- 
nies— First  dawning  of  Naval  Glory  amongst  Americans — Con- 
stellation of  Ocean-  Warriours — Steph  en  Decat  ur. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR'S  name  and  glory  are  so 
inseparably  identified  with  that  of  the  American  Navy, 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  contemplate  the  high  re- 
nown of  the  last,  without  associating  with  the  exhilira- 
ting  reflection,  the  splendid  and  unsurpassed  achieve- 
ments of  the  first.  Decatur  and  the  navy  (if  the  figure 
is  allowable)  went  on  from  infancy ,-hand  in  hand,  sup- 
ported and  supporting — "  growing  with  each  others 
growth,  and  strengthening  with  each  others  strength," 
until  they  both  acquired  the  dignified  and  noble  attitude 
of  manhood. 

Until  the  auspicious  era  of  seventeen  hundred  and 
ninety  eight,  Americans  themselves  scarcely  knew  that 
the  Republic  had  a  naval  force,  and  in  that  memorable 

2 


t    r 


year,  Stei^M  'Yttiq'tAttR  cbmmer<eed  his  naval  career. 
In  the  naval  warfare  wit'ii  France,  and  it  w;is  nothing 
else  but  naval  Svpr/are,  the:g,!o''y  of  the  infant  Ameri- 
can navy  b  listupoii  t!ve  vtdrld 'Iiks the  sun-beam  through 
a  dark  and  lowering  cloud.  This  constituted  the  first 
period  of  the  navy  and  of  Decatur's  naval  life. 

The  warfare  with  the  Barbary  powers,  especially 
with  Tripoli,  again  called  into  action  the  decreasing  en- 
ergy of  the  American  navy,  and  the  increasing  ardour 
ef  our  naval  officers  and  seamen.  The  glory  ofournavy, 
and  the  achievements  of  our  officers  resounded  through 
the  three  great  continents  bordering  upon  the  Mediter- 
ranean, the  greatest  and  most  renowned  of  seas.  This 
constituted  the  second  period  of  the  navy.  It  com- 
menced with  the  nineteenth  century,  and  was  the  bril- 
liant commencement  of  Decatur's  renown. 

The  second  war  between  the  American  Republic  and 
the  British  Empire,  formed  the  third  period  of  our  na- 
vy, and  the  rapid  and  splendid  progression  of  Decatur's 


fame. 


The  short  naval  warfare  with  Algiers  which  imme- 
diately followed  the  conclusion  of  the  war  with  Britain, 
presented  Decatur  to  the  world  in  the  two-fold  capacity 
of  Conquerour  and  Negociator.  It  augmented  the  re- 
nown of  the  American  navy — it  was  the  complete  con- 
summation of  his  glory.  As  Navy  Commissioner,  he 
displayed  the  knowledge  he  had  acquired  in  active  ser- 
vice. 

This  rapid  glance  from  the  commencement  to  the 
termination  of  these  imperfect  Sketches,  is  made,  to 
elucidate  the  reasons  for  the  manner  in  which  the  work 
will  be  attempted.  If  a  biographical  memoir  may  be 
compared  to  a  perspective  painting,  it  will  be  the  de~ 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  15 

sign  of  the  writer  to  keep  Stephen  Decatur  upon  the 
foreground,  and  in  the  relief,  to  present  slight  views  of 
the  "  origin,  progress  aud  achievements  of  the  Ameri- 
can navy"  Whether  the  delineations  will  be  correct, 
and  the  lights  and  shades  judicious,  must  of  course  be 
left  to  the  plain,  unostentatious  observer,  and  to  «.he 
acu*e,  fastidious,  and  acrimonious  connoisseur.  Howev- 
er grateful  approbation  might  be  to  the  writer,  he  is 
fully  determined  not  to  be  carried  to  any  high  degree 
of  elevation  by  commendation,  nor  sunk  to  the  least 
degree  of  dejection  by  censure.  As  he  is  confident  he 
cannot  give  entire  satisfaction  to  himself,  he  has  little 
hope  of  imparting  it  to  the  reader. 

The  thiM  for  naval  glory,  unconnected  with  the 
rapid  accumulation  of  wealth,  could  hardly  be  said  to 
constitute  a  prominent  feature  of  the  American  charac- 
ter, until  system  and  order  was  introduced  into  the 
American  navy,  during  the  administrations  of  the  vene- 
rable John  Adams  and  Thomas  Jefferson.  A  spirit 
of  commercial  enterprise,  without  a  parallel  amongst 
ancient  or  modern  nations,  had  indeed,  for  a  long  pe- 
riod before,  rendered  America  the  second  nation  in  the 
world,  in  point  of  commercial  importance.  But  this 
was  the  result  of  individual  exertion  and  not  of  national 
patronage.  The  ocean,  the  great  natural  highway  of  na- 
tions, invited  Americans  to  whiten  its  bosom  with  their 
canvass.  Even  before  the  British  crown  began  to  en- 
croach upon  the  rights  of  its  American  colonies,  the 
thousands  of  American  merchant  ships  were  navigating 
every  sea.  The  productions  of  every  clime,  from 
China  to  California,  were  poured  into  the  lap  of  the  ri- 
sing colonies.  The  hardy  and  intrepid  seamen  of 
America  were  seen  in  every  ocean.     They  were  seen 


16  LIFE  OF 

amidst  the  terrifying  waves  of  the  North,  encountering 
the  tremendous  whale,  whose  evolutions  and  spoutings 
would  seem  to  appal  the  stoutest  heart.  Even  a  dis- 
tinguished British  admiral,  who,  for  amusement,  had 
joined  an  American  whaling  party,  was  lost  in  astonish- 
ment at  the  adventurous  spirit  of  American  seamen,  and 
lost  his  fortitude  in  the  threatening  danger  that  surroun- 
ded him. 

American  seamen  were  also  seen,  enduring  the  blast- 
ing rays  of  an  equinoctial  sun,  and  bearing  home  to  their 
country  all  the  varied  productions  of  the  tropical  re- 
gions. Wherever  a  ship  could  navigate  oceans,  our 
energetic  and  dauntless  navigators  led  the  van  in  nav- 
igating enterprise.  It  is  readily  acknowledged  that  at 
this  early  period  of  the  history  of  our  country  in  its 
rapid  progress  to  national  glory,  our  merchants  and 
seamen  thought  of  little  else  than  the  rapid  accumula- 
tion of  wealth.  But  let  it  never  be  Forgotten,  that  our 
countrymen,  by  these  pursuits,  were  adding  practical 
knowledge,  to  the  theory  of  navigation — fearless  intre- 
pidity, to  scientific  acquirements. 

The  British  nation,  for  a  long  period  before  its  dead- 
ly jea'ousy  commenced  a  systematic  oppression  o 
its  American  children,  was  the  almost  undisputed  mis- 
tress of  the  ocean.  She  claimed  that  she  had  wrested 
the  trident  of  Neptune  from  his  hands,  and  that  the 
four  continents  ought  to  be  tributary  to  her  wealth  and 
power.  That  government,  ever  watchful  of  national 
glory,  and  as  its  handmaid,  ever  insatiable  in  amassing 
national  .vealth,  look-d  with  a  suspicious  eye  upon  the 
American  colonies,  although  they  constituted  the  most 
brilliant  gem  in  the  British  diadem.     When  the  infat- 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  17 

yated  policy  of  Britain  drove  them  into  a  contest  with 
the  mother-country,  every  thine;  considered,  the  most 
powerful  nation  in  the  world,  the  confederated  states  had 
not  a  single  armed  vessel  floating  upon  the  ocean.  But 
they  had  the  most  accomplished  navigators,  and  the  most 
intrepid  seamen,  it  was  however,  no  time  to  commence 
the  establishment  of  a  naval  force.  The  country  and 
its  resources,  were  literally  in  possession  of  its  impla- 
cable enemy,  when  that  tremendous  and  awfully  une- 
qual contest  commenced  which  terminated  in  the  most 
glorious  revolution  of  the  eighteenth  century. 

But,  during  the  sanguinary  progress  of  the  revolu- 
tionary struggle,  the  latent  sparks  of  that  blaze  of  glo- 
ry which  now  envelopes  the  American  Navy,  elicited 
themselves  with  the  most  cheering  brilliancy.  It  was 
not  that  systematic,  regulated  courage,  which  for  the 
last  quarter  of  a  century  has  led  our  naval  heroes  to 
certain  victory.  It  was  not  the  mijestic  course  which 
now  marks  our  ships  and  our  fl  ets,  as  the  orbits  point 
out  the  course  of  the  planets — it  was  rather  like  the 
comet,  whose  eccentric  course  and  flaming  face  defy 
calculation,  excite  wonder  and  raise  far. 

Would  the  limits  and  the  design  of  this  work  permit, 
I  might  carry  the  reader,  along  through  the  whole 
gl  omy  period  of  the  revolutionary  struggle,  and  show, 
that  with  mr-ans  apparently  wholly  inefficient,  the  na- 
val sprit  of  Americans,  evinced  itself  in  a  manner  cal- 
culated to  excite  the  unbounded  admiration  of  their 
friends,  and  the  fearful  apprehensions  of  their  enemies. 
But  it  mibt  not  here  be  omitted  that  the  "  Old  Con- 
grr?.«"  took  measures  as  early  as  1776,  to  establish  a 
naval  force,  when  the  resources  of  the  country  were 

2* 


18  LIFE    OF 

next  to  nothing.  With  a  few  little  ships,  which  grew 
up,  as  if  by  magic,  and  which  seemed  like  rude  intru- 
ders upon  the  ocean,  a  Barry,  a  Manly,  a  Biddle,  a 
Jones,  and  a  Preble,  spread  consternation  amongst  the 
enemy,  and  for  themselves  acquired  fame,  lasting  as 
immortality.  Particulars  must  here  be  omitted  ;  but 
the  inquisitive  reader  may  readily  find  them  in  the 
publications  of  that  period. 

We  approach  now  toward  that  auspicious  epoch  in 
the  history  of  the  American  Republic,  when  the  Grand 
Council  of  the  nation  literally  began  the  navy  of  the 
Republic — for  there  was  not,  twenty-five  years  ago,  a 
single  vestige  remaining  of  the  naval  force  commenced 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  It  was  in  this  navy,  that 
the  brilliant  constellation  of  gallant  ocean  heroes  arose 
with  a  splendour  that  illumines  the  modern  history  of 
the  Republic. 

In  the  midst  of  this  constellation,  STEPHEN  DECA- 
TUR shines  with  respleudant  glory, — a  star  of  the  first 
magnitude.  To  delineate  his  life  and  character,  it  is 
readily  admitted  req  lires  the  hand  of  a  master.  The 
writer  approaches  the  task  with  a  trembling  solicitude, 
most  sensibly  felt,  but  wholly  indescribable.  Relying, 
however,  upon  that  indulgence  and  candour,  which  has 
given  to  his  v'  Memoirs"  of  one  of  the  first  ornaments  of 
the  Army  of  the  Republic*  a  favourable  reception,  he 
will  endeavour  to  present  his  countrymen  a  faithful  and 
accurate  portrait  of  one  who  was  the  first  ornament  of 
the  American  Navy. 

*  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  19 


CHAPTER  II. 

Decatur's  birth — Birth-places — Difference  between  beginning 
and  ending  great  names — Brief  notice  of  Decatur's  ancestors 
— His  father,  one  of  the  original  Post-Captains  in  the  American 
Navy — Dedication  of  his  sons  to  the  Republic — The  inestima- 
ble value  of  the  Legacy. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR,  who,  from  the  humble 
birth  of  a  Midshipman,  rose  to  the  highest  gride  of 
office  yet  established  in  the  Navy  of  the  American  Re- 
public, was  born  upon  the  Eastern  Shore  of  Maryland, 
Worcester  county,  upon  the  5th  day  of  January,  A. 
D.  1779. 

Although  to  the  general  scholar,  the  precise  time, 
and  the  certain  place  where  a  distinguished  man  was 
born,  or  educated,  or  where  he  first  exemplified  indi- 
cations of  his  future  greatness,  seem  to  be  of  but  little 
importance,  yet  these  points  have  been  contested  with 
such  an  unyielding  stubbornness  by  the  ancient  and 
modern  literati,  that  they  assume  a  factitious  conse- 
quence, which,  intrinsically  seems  not  to  belong  to 
them. 

A  place  that  derives  all  its  consequence  from  the 
birth  of  one  great  man,  who  fiist  inhaled  air  in  it, 
may  well  contend  for  that  frail  claim  to  local  honour — 
frail  it  well  nay  be  called  ;  for  surely  it  cannot  be 
perceived  how  the.  birth  of  a  great  man,  who  has  secu- 
red a  title  to  lasting  fame  by  his  own  science,  genius, 
or  heroism,  can  impart  fame  to  the  place  of  his  nativity, 


20  LIFE    OF 

any  more  than  the  glory  of  a  man's  ancestors  can  im- 
mortalize his  descendants.  But  every  traveller  must 
visit  the  place  of  a  great  man's  birth,  however  obscure 
it  may  be. 

No  country  upon  earth,  within  the  period  of  the  two 
last  centuries,  which  limits  the  age  of  civilized  Ameri- 
ca, can  b^ast  of  a  more  extended  catalogue  of  great  men 
in  the  State,  the  Church,  the  Army,  the  N;ivy,  and  in 
the  walks  of  Literature  and  Science,  than  ours.  But 
when  we  come  to  trace  their  pi  tees  of  birth  ;  the  se- 
minaries where  they  obtained  the  rudiment-  of  knowl- 
edge, or  completed  their  education,  and  the  ancestors 
to  whom  they  trace  their  origin,  it  will  be  found  that  a 
very  great  proportion  of  the  mostdisting  ashed  men  of 
ouf  Republic,  came  into  existence  in  some  of  (he  most 
obscure  villages  of  out  nen}  country — were  educated  in 
the  most  humble  schools,  and  can  tr  ice  their  gene- 
alogy to  some  of  the  most  obscure  citizens  of  our  Re- 
public. 

It  is  usual  with  the  writers  of  Biography  to  <rive, 
sometimes  a  brief,  and  oftentimes  a  prolix  -ketch  of  the 
ancestors  of  the  subject  of  his  memoirs.  This  may 
serve  to  eke  out  a  volume  ;  and,  for  want  of  interesting 
incidents  in  the  life  of  the  subject  of  it,  he  may  inter- 
lard it  with  matter  wholly  extraneous.  It  may  serve 
arother  purpose — it  may  gr atify  t Sip  pri  'e  of  family 
aristocracy,  vvho  exhibit  the  archives  of  their  ancestors 
as  evidence  of  their  out.  merit,  and  by  the  aid  of  her- 
aldry, display  splendid  coats  of  arms  in  (lie  family  hall. 
It  is  almost  enough  to  excite  the  admiration  of  an  Eng- 
lish reader  to  be  told  that  some  of  the  blood  of  the  Tu- 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  21 

dors  or  Stuarts*  is  coursing  sluggishly  through  the 
veins  of  the  modern  hero  of  a  memoir  ;  and  although 
the  present  legitimate  princes  of  the  British  empire 
have  but  little  legitimate  blood  amongst  their  subjects, 
it  would  undoubtedly  be  highly  gratifying  to  learn  that 
he  can  claim  consanguinity,  or  even  some  affinity  with 
the  house  of  Brunswick.} 

The  American  reader,  however  much  he  may  desire 
it,  can  seldom  be  gratified,  in  tracing  a  lengthened  gene- 
alogy of  his  distinguished  countrymen.  It  may  well  be 
doubted  whether  any  of  the  original  European  inhabi- 
tants of  Maryland,  the  native,  and  Pennsylvania,  the 
adopted  state  of  Decatur,  or  indeed  of  any  other  of  the 
ancient  colonies,  even  thought  of  bringing  across*the 
Atlantic,  any  family  archives,  or  any  evidence  of  family 
ancestry.  Ardent  in  the  pursuit  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  they  little  cared  about  proving  their  descent  from 
an  arbitrary  royal  family,  or  a  degenerated  nobility  who 
had  deprived  them  of  both.  Indeed,  it  may  be  doubt- 
ed whether  our  ancestors  had  any  noble  blond,  except- 
ing that  noble  blood  which  rouses  all  true  Americans, 
and  Englishmen  too,  to  revolt  at  civil  and  ecclesiastical 
tyranny.  Our  ancestors  were  not  amongst  the  favour- 
ite of  the  courts  of  the  Charleses,  the  Jameses  or  the 
Georges  ; — they  generally  consisted  of  the  highest  and 
best  informed  class  ofthestnrdy  yeomanry,  who  chose 
rather  to  encounter  the  dangers  of  the  ocean,  and  all 
the  appalling  borrours  oi  Indian  warfare,  than  to  submit 
to  the  abated  prerogative  of  a  crown,  or  the  arrogance 

^Ancient  feigning  families  in  England. 

t  The  present  reigning  family  in  the  British  Empire^ 


22  LIFE    OP 

of  an  insolent  high  church  priesthood.  They  came 
here  to  begin  a  Republic,  and  to  begin  their  own  names  : 
and  surely  it  is  far  more  gratifying  to  see  a  new-born 
republic,  rising  in  strong  inaj^ty,  than  to  behold  an- 
cient empires  and  kingdoms  tottering  to  their  fall.  It 
is  also  infinitely  more  gratifying  to  behold  the  present 
generation  of  Americans  beginning  names  for  them- 
selves, than  to  see  them  ending  those  that  were  render- 
ed illustrious  by  their  ancestors. 

These  hasty  remarks  are  not  made  with  a  view  of 
extirpating  from  the  breast  that  noble  sentiment  which 
induces  the  descendants  of  great  Statesmen,  Heroes, 
and  Scholars,  to  cherish,  venerate  and  defend  the  fame 
of  their  ancestors  ;  but  to  impress  the  idea  thus  forci- 
bly expressed  by  one  of  the  master  painters  of  human 
nature  ; — 

"  The  deeds  of  long  descended  ancestors. 
Are  but  by  grace  of  imputation  ours." 

The  reader  may  be  led  to  suppose  from  the  preced- 
ing remarks,  that  Decatur  was  of  the  humblest  origin, 
and  that  the  obscurity  of  his  family  is  about  to  be  men- 
tioned in  order  to  increase  the  lu-treofhis  own  achieve- 
ments. Not  so, — the  object  was  to  impress  upin  the 
miad  of  the  youthful  reader,  a  sentiment  which  ought 
to  be  unceasingly  reiterated  through  the  Republic, 
that  the  principle  of  family  aristocracy,  prostrates  the 
very  genius  of  our  constitution.  The  rising  youth  of 
America  should  scorn  to  repose  in  listless  inactivity, — 
riof  in  the  wealth,  or  bask  in  the  fame  of  their  ances- 
tors. Nothing  but  personal  merit,  and  deeds  of  actual 
renown,  entitles  a  man  to  be  enrolled  with  worthies,  or 
hold  a  niche  in  the  temple  ©f  fame. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  23 

How  ignoble  would  Stephen  and  James  Decatur 
have  appeared,  if,  instead  of  devoting  themselves  to 
their  country,  and  achieving  deeds  of  glory  as  the  foun- 
dation of  (heir  own  fame,  they  had  ?upinely  reposed  up- 
on the  high  rank  and  reputation  of  their  gallant  father  ? 

The  family  of  Decatur  was  of  French  extraction  in 
the  paternal  line — upon  the  maternal  side,  it  was  of 
Irish  extraction.  Could  it  be  indulged  in  a  biographr 
ical  memoir,  what  a  capacious  field  is  here  opened  to 
"expatiate  free"  upon  the  prominent  characteristics 
of  Frenchmen  and  Irishmen?  We  might  paint  the  chiv- 
alrous gallantry  of  the  one,  and  the  ardent  and  roman- 
tic courage  of  the  other — we  can  only  say,  they  both 
were  most  happily  and  gloriously  united  in  Stephen 
Decatur — under  the  name  of  an  American. 

His  grandfather  was  a  native  of  La  Rochelle,  in 
France,  celebrated  for  the  refinement  and  taste  which 
prevails  in  the  large  cities  of  that  captivating  and  charm- 
ing country.  Although  amongst  the  early  emigrants 
from  European  nations,  Frenchmen  included  but  a 
small  proportion,  many  of  the  most  distinguished  men 
of  the  middle  and  southern  states  can  trace  their  ori- 
gin to  that  people.  The  same  cause  that  drove  English- 
men, Scotsmen,  Irishmen,  Germans,  &c.  to  the  New 
World — civil  and  ecclesiastical  oppression,  also  com- 
pelled some  of  the  persecuted  *Hugonots  in  France, 
to  seek  an'  asylum  in  America,  which  has  most  em- 
phatically been  denominated  **  The  asylum  of  oppressed 
humanity."     What  were  the  motives  of  Decatur's  an- 

*  Vide,  the  pathetic  accounts  of  the  sanguinary  persecution  *f 
the  Hugonots  by  the  Papal  power. 


24  LIFE    OF 

cestors  to  emigrate,  is  lost  in  the  oblivious  shade  that  is 
spread  over  that  interesting  period  of  our  history.  He 
landed  in  Rhode  I-land,  a  state  which  owes  its  existence 
to  an  high  sense  of  religious  liberty. 

Having  soon  discovered  the  excellence  of  a  govern- 
ment where  freedom  of  thought,  freedom  of  speech 
and  freedom  of  the  press  had  dissipated  the  monkish 
gloom  and  sullen  terror  which  enveloped  and  chained 
the  human  mind  in  the  regions  where  a  subtil,  aspiring, 
corrupt,  and  detestable  priesthood  held  dominion,  he 
relinquished  all  idea  of  returning  to  his  native  land — 
married  a  lady  of  Rhode  Island,  and  settled  at  Newport, 
situated  upon  the  most  charming  island  bordering  upon 
the  American  continent. 

It  was  here  that  Stephen  Decatur,  the  father  of  our 
hero  was  born.  What  were  the  pecuniary  circumstan- 
ces of  this  family,  at  this  period  is  unknown  to  the  wri- 
ter, and  is  of  but  little  consequence  to  the  reader. 
That  adventurous  spirit,  which  characterises  the  name 
of  Decatur,  induced  him,  in  early  life,  to  remove  to 
the  city  of  Philadelphia,  the  metropolis  of  the  then 
American  colonies.  Having  previously  become  ac- 
quainted, and  enamoured  ;vith  the  ocean,  he  resorted 
to  that  element  as  the  theatre  of  his  exertions,  his  for- 
tune and  his  fame. 

From  what  has  previously  been  said,  the  reader  will 
not  here  expect  a  biographical  notice  of  the  distinguish- 
ed father  of  the  subject  of  these  Sketches.  His  life 
deserves  the  record  of  a  much  abler  hand  than  that 
which  is  now  attempting  to  portray  that  of  his  gallant 
and  illustrious  son.  A  mere  miniature  will  only  be 
attempted.     He    entered  into  the  matrimonial  state 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  25 

early  in  life  before  the  fine  feeling  of  an  affectionate 
heart  had  been  cooled  by  intercourse  with  a  deceitful, 
friendless,  and  cruel  world.  His  bosom  companion 
was  the  daughter  of  an  Irish  gentleman  by  the  name  of 
Pine.  Having  been  previously  instructed  in  the  theo- 
ry of  navigation,  he  commenced  his  nautical  life  in  the 
merchants'  service  at  that  auspicious  period  when 
commercial  enterprize  was  the  sure  passport  to  sudden 
wealth.  But  its  fascinating  charms  had  no  attractions 
for  the  elder  Stephen  Decatur,  when  put  in  competi- 
tion with  naval  glory.  No  sooner  had  our  infant  navy 
embraced  the  ocean,  than  his  ardent  spirit  led  him, 
amongst  the  very  first  of  the  naval  heroes  of  1798,  to 
tender  his  services  to  his  country.  Let  it  be  remem- 
bered that  at  that  period,  the  Republic  had  no  comman- 
ders who  had  distinguished  themselves — America  was 
not  even  ranked  with  naval  powers.  It  therefore  re- 
quired a  devotion  to  country  which  must  border  upon 
the  romantic,  to  engage  in  a  service  apparently  so  preg- 
nant with  difficulty  and  hazard. 

Notwithstanding  the  blaze  of  glory  which  now  en- 
circles our  naval  officers,  it  is  no  more  than  justice  to 
theirs*  class  of  naval  commanders  to  say  that  they 
share  equally  in  the  glory  acquired  for  the  Republic 
by  our  naval  achievements.  They  were  the  first 
teachers  of  that  admirable  system — that  inimitable  disci- 
pline,— that  unequalled  police  which  has  ever  distin- 
guished the  American  navy.  Ask  the  gallant  ocean 
warriours  of  the  second  war  between  the  Republic  and 
the  British  Empire,  where  they  acquired  that  unparal- 
leled nautical  skill  which  is  as  necessary  as  dauntless 
courage — and  they  will  refer  you  to  the  school  of  Trttx 

3 


26  LIFE  OF 

ton,  the  senior  Decatur,  and  his  cotemporaries  ;  and 
afterwards  to  Preble  and  his  coadjutors. 

The  elder  Decatur  was  first  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Delaware  sloop  of  war,  and  continued  in 
the   same   command,  until   the  patriotic   merchants   of 
Philadelphia  presented  to  their  country  a  noble  frigate 
named  after  that  noble  city.     It  may  almost  be  said  that 
she  was  built  for  the  Decaturs,  for  she  was  first  com- 
manded by  the  father  in  the  naval  warfare  with  France, 
who  lived  to  see  her  destroyed  by  the  son,  when  in  the 
hands  of  a  Tripolitan  Bashaw.     He  continued   in    the 
command  of  the  Philadelphia,  teaching  his  gallant  crew 
the  path    to  certain   victory,  and   protecting  American 
commerce  from  French  depredations.     At  the  conclu- 
sion of  peace  with  France  he  resigned   his  command, 
and  retired  to  the  bosom  of  his  beloved  family  near  the 
city  of  Philadelphia.     Here  this  veteran  son  of  Nep- 
tune beheld  from  year  to  year  the  rising  glory  of  the 
navy — and,  what  consummated  his  temporal  felicity,  the 
fame  of  his  beloved  sons,  Stephen  and  James.     Sitting 
between  them  at  a  public  naval  dinner,  a  few  years  be- 
fore his  death,  he  wa*  congratulated  by  some  of  the 
guests  upon  the  happiness  he  enjoyed  in  his    family. 
Turning  his  animated  eye?,  alternately  toward  his  two 
sons,  and  uttering  forth  the  sentiments  of  his  noble  and 

patriotic   heart  he  exclaimed, "  Our  Children — 

they  are  the  property  of  our  country," a  sen- 
timent that  would  have  done  honour  to  the  Decii  of 
Rome,  and  which  led  them  to  die  for  the  Republic 
The  eyes  of  his  sons  beamed  with  the  ardour  of  filial 
affection — their  hearts  swelled  with  patriotism — the 
guests  were  electrified  with  joy.     The  noble  veteran 


STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


27 


retired  from  a  scene  almost  too  joyous  to  be  endured. 
He  lived  to  lament  the  death  of  his  son  James — ended 
his  active  and  patriotic  labours  in  the  year  1808,  and 
closed  a  life  which  rendered  him  lamented  and  honour- 
ed in  death. 

Thus  much,  and  thus  only,  can  here  be  said  of  the  life 
pfthe  father  of  Stephen  Decatur.  He  sleeps  with  the 
o-reat  and  good  men  who  have  shed  a  lustre  upon  the 
history  of  the  Republic.  His  memory  will  be  cherish- 
ed and  held  in  fond  remembrance  by  our  countrymen, 
as  well  for  his  own  exalted  worth,  as  for  the  inestimable 
legacy  he  left  his  country  in  giving  it  two  sons  who  em- 
ulated his  virtues — pursued  the  path  he  pointed  out  to 
fame — clothed  themselves  with  laurels  of  unfading 
splendour,  and  essentially  advanced  the  glory  of  the 
American  Republic. 

The  reader  is  now,  asked  for  awhile  to  withdraw  his 
attention  from  the  beloved  and  cherished  name  of  the 
Decaturs,  and  follow  the  writer  while  he  attempts,  im- 
perfectly, to  give  a  brief  view  of  the  origin  and  pro- 
gress of  the  American  Navy  until  that  period  when  Ste- 
phen Decatur,  the  leading  subject  of  these  Sketches, 
entered  into  the  service  of  his  country  as  a  Midshipman. 
From  that  period,  to  the  day  of  his  death,  his  biography 
must  necessarily  be  blended  with  brief  notices  of  the 
progress  and  achievements  of  our  navy.  His  spirit 
seemed  to  be  infused  i;to. every  breast  that  was  led 
upon  tie  mighty  deep  in  our  conquering  i*hips.  He 
seemed  to  be  the  genres  of  VT  itory,  hovering  over  our 
floating  bulwarks,  and  she.  \  radiance  even  in  the 

hour  of  disaster. 


28  LIFE  OF 


CHAPTER  III. 

Extinction  of  Naval  Power  and  Navnl  Spirit  at  the  close  of  the 
Revolution — A  Seventy-four  presented  to  Lonis  XVI. — Con- 
jecture concerning  her — Astonishing  effects  of  Naval  PoweR^ 
— Encroachments  upon  American  Commerce  and  humiliation 
of  American  Seamen — Act  of  Congress  1794  for  building  six 
Frigates — Enthusiasm  excited  by  it — Frigate  Constitution — 
Achievements  of  Truxton,  Little  &c. — Anecdotes  of  the  elder 
Decatur  and  Tryon — Midshipman  Stephen  Decatur. 

When  the  war  of  the  Revolution  ended  in  the  ac- 
knowledgment of  American  Independence,  the  civil 
fathers  of  the  Republic  had  a  duty  no  less  arduous  to 
perform  in  the  Cabinet,  than  her  gallant  army  had 
achieved  and  just  concluded  in  the  field.  It  would  be 
but  repeating,  what#the  writer  attempted  to  remark 
upon  this  subject  in  another  publication* — it  is  there- 
fore introduced  in  this  place. 

"  Destitute  of  a  government  of  tbeir  own  making, 
they  had  before  them  the  lights  of  antiquity,  and  the 
practical  knowledge  of  modern  ages.  With  the  scruti- 
nizing research  of  statesmen,  and  the  calm  delibera- 
tion  of  philosophers,  they  proceeded  to  establish  a  con- 
stitution of  Civil  Government,  as  the  supreme  law  of 
the  land.  The  establishment  of  this  Constitution  is, 
perhaps,  without  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  the  civili- 
zed world.  It  was  not  the  unresisted  mandate  of  a 
successful  usurper,  nor  was  it  a  government  imposed 

v  Vide  Memoirs  of  Jackson,  p.  13,  5th  edition. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  29 

upon  the  people  by  a  victorious  army.  It  was  diges  t 
ed  by  profound  statesmen,  who  aimed  to  secure  all  the 
rights  of  the  people  who  had  acquired  them,  by  their 
toil,  their  courage,  and  their  patriotism.  They  aimed 
also  to  give  to  the  government,  sufficient  energy  to 
command  respect. 

To  the  people  of  the  American  Republic,  a  consti- 
tution was  presented  for  their  deliberation,  and  for 
(heir  adoption.  It  was  adopted,  not  with  entire  una- 
aimity,  but  by  a  majority  of  the  people,  sufficiently  re- 
spectable to  give  its  operation  a  promising  commence- 
ment. The  people,  having  emancipated  themselves? 
from  the  power  of  a  British  monarch — having  success- 
fully resisted  his  lords  and  his  commons,  looked  with 
jealousy  upon  those  who  were  called  to  the  exercise  of 
the  power  which  they  had  themselves  delegated  to 
their  own  countrymen.  The  excellency  of  the  con- 
stitution was  tested  by  the  practical  application  of  its 
principles  ;  and  the  patriotism  nnd  integrity,  of  all  the 
early  officers  who  derived  their  power  from  it,  were 
ackndWledged  by  their  admiring  countrymen." 

These  great  statesmen  were  called  upon,  not  to  di- 
rect the  resources  of  the  country,  for  resources  she 
had  none  :  they  were  called  upon  to  create  them,  and 
then  apply  them  to  the  proper  objects.  So  far  as  na- 
tional power,  depends  upon  national  wealth,  the  con- 
federated states  were  as  feeble  as  a  reed  shaken  by 
the  wind.  Involved  in  debt  without  a  treasury — the 
veteran  soldiers  of  the  revolution  yet  bleeding,  and 
their  toils  unrewarded — the  commerce  of  the  country 
almost  swept  from  the  ocean,  by  the  ruthless  carnage 
of  a  Vandal  foe — our  country   depredated  and  cities 


30  LIFE  OF 

burned,  all,  all  presented  to  the  eye  and  to  the  imagi- 
nation of  our  ancestors  a  dreary  and  outspread  scene 
of  desolation. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  revolutionary  struggle,  the 
few  little  ships  that  had  performed  such  romantic,  and 
chivalrous  deeds  of  noble  daring,  were  converted  into 
merchantmen.  At  this  period,  a  single  Seventy-four 
had  been  built  and  fitted  for  sea,  designed  for  that  prod- 
igy of  a  man,  Paul  Jones,  previously  mentioned.  A 
line  of  battle  ship  in  the  navy  of  France;  having  been 
wrecked  upon  the  American  coast,  our  grateful  fore- 
fathers, as  one  acknowledgement  to  Louis  XVI.  the 
only  crowned  head  in  Europe  who  ever  looked  upon 
America  except  with  an  eye  of  jealousy  or  fear,  pre- 
sented this  ship  to  that  best  and  most  unfortunate  of  the 
Bourbons. 

It  is  left  to  vague  and  undefined  conjecture,  what 
results  would  have  been  produced  had  this  ship  of  the 
line  been  retained  by  our  government.  That  unsatisfi- 
ed cupidity,  that  insatiable  thirst  for  wealth,  which  like 
the  daughters  of  the  horse-leach,  continually  cry. 
il  give,  give'"  and  which  pervaded  so  completely  the 
bosoms  of  Americans  at  this  period,  nrigJit  have  suffer- 
ed her  to  moulder  away  in  our  waters,  and  never  have 
hoisted  the  "star  spangled  banner"'  upon  her  mast. 
If  the  writer  may  be  permitted  to  conjecture  for  him- 
self, he  would  express  an  opinion  diametrically  oppo- 
site. Some  rising  and  ardent  Decatur  of  that  period, 
would  have  sought  for  the  command  of  her — he  would 
have  made  her  the  floating  seminary  for  the  instruction 
of  American  seamen,  in  naval  tactics, — frigates  and 
sloops  of  war  would  have  grown  up  around  her,  as  a 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  31 

rallying  point ;  and  the  first  spoliation  upon  our  rapidly 
increasing  commerce  would  have  mec  with  a  prompt 
and  vindictive  chastisement. 

But  American  commerce  was  left  to  the  fate,  doomed 
to  be  inflicted  upon  it  by  the  belligerent  powers  of  Eu- 
rope. Yes,  the  same  powers,  which,  toward  the  close 
of  the  last  quarter  of  the  eighteenth  century,  preyed 
upon  our  merchants  with  fearless  impunity,  now,  at 
nearly  the  close  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  dare  not  pollute  the  deck  of  the  humblest 
American  craft  that  ploughs  the  ocern. 

But  it  was  necessary  fur  American  statesmen  in  the 
dawn  of  our  national  greatness,  as  it  is  now,  when  it 
is  rising  toward  its  meridian  splendour,  to  conform  their 
measures  to  the  actual  state  of  the  country.  It  is 
wholly  in  vain  to  attempt  to  force  a  free  and  intelligent 
people  into  the  adoption  of  measures  which  they  can- 
not approve  without  surrendering  the  physical  power 
they  possess,  and  cannot  execute  without  a  sacrifice  of. 
ther  real  or  supposed  interests.  When  our  ancestors 
first  began  to  recover  from  the  convulsive  shock  of  the 
revolution,  they  little  thought  of  providing  defence 
against  future  invasions  of  our  rights  upon  our  acknow- 
ledged territory,  or  upon  the  ocean,  the  great  highway 
of  all  nations.  Having  thoroughly  learned  the  evils  of 
a  large  standing  army,  in  time  ot  peace,  they  reluctantly 
retained  the  scanty  pittance  of  a  military  force,  scarcely 
sufficient  to  supply  the  few  garrisons  then  scattered 
over  our  immense  country. 

But  naval  power  and  naval  men  is  what  is  embraced 
in  the  object  of  this  woik.  It  would  be  a  theme  upon 
which  we  might  expatiate  with  all  the  rapture  of  in- 


32  LIFE    OF 

creasing  delight  to  trace  the  origin  and  progress  of  that 
tremendous  and  resistless  power  which  ancient  and 
modern  nations  have  created  for  themselves  upon  the 
ocean.  From  the  ancient  Carthage,  to  England,  which 
has  not  inaptly  been  called  the  modern  Carthage,  we 
might  show  how  nations  small  in  territory  and  popula- 
tion,— without  the  means  of  extending  dominion,  and 
scarcely  able  to  protect  themselves  by  land  defences, 
have  rolled  on  from  conquest  to  conquest,  and  made  im- 
mense empires  bow  and  become  tributary  to  the  wood- 
en walls  of  naval  prowess.  How  came  Holland  once, 
and  England  now,  to  wield  the  sceptre  of  power  in  the 
East  and  in  the  West  Indies,  and  fill  their  coffers  with 
their  treasure  ? — by  their  naval  power.  How  came 
Spain,  in  the  reign  of  Philip,  to  menace,  and  all  but 
conquer  England  herself,  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  ? — 
by  her  naval  power.  It  was  the  elements  that  defeated 
the  Spanish  armada,  on  the  coast  of  England,  as  Nelson, 
in  a  single  day  conquered  France  and  Spain  at  Trafal- 
gar.* How  has  it  come  to  pass  that  the  best  portions 
of  Asia  have  lost  their  ancient  dominion,  and  are  now 
colonies  of  European  nations  ? — By  naval  power.  Pa- 
ges might  be  swelled  with  this  "  swelling  theme/'  But, 
rapidly  to  anticipate  what  will  hereafter  be  more  mi- 
nutely noticed.  What  preserved  the  immense  territory 
of  the  West  from  the  desolations  of  a  Vandal  army  which 

*  A  very  humorous  poem  of  this  period  makes  Admin •  i 
neuve  thus  express  himself  : — 

"  So  now,  mes  sages  sirs,  we  must  give  up  de  notion, 
And  let  England  peaceably  govern  de  ocean, 
As  old  Neptune  wont  crant  us  the  rule  of  de  sea, 
He  may  give  his  dainn'd  pitchfork  to  Nelson  for  me  " 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  33 

seemed  to  be  irresistible,  in  the  second  war  with  Bri- 
tain ?  The  naval  power  upon  Lake  Erie.  "What  pro- 
tected the  wide  and  wealthy  regions  of  the  North,  in 
the  same  war,  from  the  ravages  of  an  insatiable  foe  ? 
The  naval  power  upon  Lake  Champlain.  And  to  fill 
the  climax,  to  do  justice  to  which  would  require  "  a 
muse  of  fire  to  ascend  the  highest  heaven  of  invention" 
what  made  the  cross  of  St.  George  and  the  Turkish 
Crescent  bow  to  American  prowess  ? — The  naval  power. 
The  profound  sagacity,  and  wary  policy  of  American 
Statesmen,  who  sat  the  intricate  machine  of  govern- 
ment in  operation  under  our  Republican  Constitution, 
well  understood  the  overwhelming  bankruptcy  in  which 
the  British  empire  was  sinking,  or  rather  sunk,  by  her 
immense  naval  force.  They  sought  to  bestow  upon 
their  beloved  Republic  richer  blessings  than  the  bles- 
ling  of  national  debt.  No  human  sagacity,  however, 
could,  at  that  time,  foresee  that  American  commerce 
would  soon  become  the  direct  road  to  sudden  national 
wealth,  although  they  must  have  known  that  an  exten- 
ded commerce  could  not  long  be  protected,  without  a 
naval  force,  nor  a  naval  force  be  supported  without 
commerce.  England,  the  imperious,  and  then  undis- 
puted mistress  of  the  ocean,  wielding  the  trident  of 
Neptune  over  every  sea,  beheld  American  canvass  in 
every  latitude.  Her  jealousy  was  roused.  Her  arm- 
ed ships  searched  our  vessels  for  "  contraband  good*," 
impressed  our  seamen,  and  immured  them  in  their 
"floating  dungeons."  Other  petty  naval  powers, 
whose  power  on  the  ocean  is  now  merged  with  that  of 
Britain,  the  naval  dictator  of,  because  the  most  power- 
ful nation  in,  Europe,  follow«d  her  example  of  aggress 


34  LIFE  OP 

sion,  as  feeble  whappets  follow  in  the  train  of  a  ferocious 
mastiff.  The  pride  of  American  seamen,  arising  from 
the  national  glory  of  America  acquired  in  the  glorious 
revolution,  was  compelled  to  succumb  to  the  mandate 
of  every  puny  whipster  who  could  shew  a  gun  upon  his 
deck.  It  was  not  voluntary  submission,  but  submission 
"  ex  necessitate  rei," — the  necessity  of  the  case, — a 
most  painful  necessity. 

The  national  resources  had  been  almost  exclusively 
derived  from  individual  wealth — and  that  wealth  had 
for  years  been  committed  to  the  ocean  as  the  road  to 
immediate  wealth.  Other  nations,  which  were  conten- 
ding for  dominion  upon  land  and  upon  water,  for  a  con- 
siderable period,  lost  sight  of  the  advancing  wealth, 
and,  as  a  consequence,  national  power  of  the  Ameri- 
can Republic.  Contending  for  crowns  which  sat  loose- 
ly upon  the  fearful  heads  that  sustained  their  ponder- 
ous weight,  and  dreading  to  see  them  fall,  these  nations, 
although  contending  with  each  other,  seemed  to  unite 
in  trying  to  blast  the  growing  power  of  America. 

The  Barbary  powers,  whose  corsairs  hovered  over 
that  portion  of  the  ocean  where  some  part  of  cur  en- 
terprising merchantmen  were  pursuing  their  lucrative 
business,  plundered  their  vessels,  and  made  slaves  of 
their  crews.  The  greater  commercial  nations,  with 
more  power,  and  al>o  with  more  humanity,  endeav- 
oured to  extirpate  American  commerce,  and  check  the 
rapid  progress  of  American  weallh.  They  possessed 
naval  pozver,  of  which  our  Republic  was  then  destitute. 
Our  patriotic  rulers,  as  soon  as  they  found  our  country 
in  possession  of  the  means  adequate  to  the  hard  task  of 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  35 

supporting  our  natural  rights  upon  the  ocean,  began  to 
devise  "  ways  and  means"  to  do  it. 

It  would  require  more  pages  than  the  limits  of  this 
volume  will  admit,  to  epitomatize  the  diversified  argu- 
ments resorted  to  by  the  most  eminent  of  American 
statesmen,  in  favor  of,  and  against  an  efficient  naval 
power.  Some  of  them  looked  upon  the  ''thousand 
armed  ship*"  of  England  and  despaired.  They  saw 
also  the  Russian,  French,  Spanish,  and  Danish  fleets 
and  dismissed  all  hopes  of  ever  coping  with  any  naval 
power.  But  Washington  was  still  alive  ;  and  guiding 
the  high  destinies  of  our  Republic  in  peace,  as  he  had 
done  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  His  prescience 
readily  suggested  to  his  great  mind  the  indlspensible 
necessity  of  a  naval  force  to  protect  our  extensive  and 
extending  commerce.  Negociation,  to  be  sure,  had 
obtained  some  indemnification  for  spoliations  upon  it  ; 
but  the  most  successful  negociations  have  always  been 
made  at  the  mouth  of  the  cannon.  Our  rulers  could 
no  longer  endure  the  thought,  that  our  citizens,  who 
had  sought  an  "home  upon  the  deep,"  should  become 
victims  to  every  prince  who  could  send  out  a  few  crui- 
sers, with  a  rapacious  crew.  They  were  determined 
that  American  citizens,  pursuing  a  lawful  commerce 
upon  the  ocean,  should,  as  they  ought,  be  protected 
there,  as  others  pursuing  lawful  business  on  land.  This 
was  not  the  gasconading  threat  of  a  nurse  who  only 
brandishes  the  rod  before  the  eyes  of  a  truant  child, 
without  daring  to  strike  ;  it  was  the  decisive  language 
of  a  parent,  having  a  right  to  command,  and  power  suf- 
ficient to  enforce  his  decrees. 

The  year   1794,  the  auspicious  period  which  laid 


36  LIFE   OF 

the  foundation  of  our  naval  power,  ought  to  be  com- 
memorated  with    equal   enthusiasm   as   that  of  1776, 
which  made  the  declaration  and  laid  the  foundation  for 
American   Independence.      The  first  hull  of  a  frigate 
that  was  laid  by  our  government,  was  the  key-stone  to 
the    triumphant   arch    of  American    glory.      If  fancy 
might  be  indulged  upon  a  subject  which  needs  not  its 
fictitious  aid,  we   might  see  Neptune  approaching  our 
shores,  and  surrendering  his  trident  to  the  banners  of 
Columbia,  when  the  first  American  frigate  was  launch- 
ed into  the  bosom  of  the  deep.      The  writer,  then  a 
boy,  may  hope  to  be  indulged  for  expressing  now  the 
enthusiasm  he  felt,  when  he  beheld  the  frigate  Consti- 
tution launched  from  a  Boston  ship-yard.     This  untu- 
tored enthusiasm  was  occasioned,  not  by  knowing  then, 
the  immeasurable  power  of  a  navy,  but  from  the  im- 
mense assemblage  of  animated  citizens  who  witnessed 
the  animating  scene.     They  might  have  exclaimed — 
*'  There  is  one   of  our  protectors  upon  the  ocean — 
while  she  swims,   she  will  not  only   protect  our  indi- 
vidual wealth,  but  she  will  manfully  sustain  our  nation- 
al rights  upon  the  waves."     What  might  have  then  been 
prophesy,  is  now  history. 

Proceeding  with  that  caution  and  judgment  which 
must  mark  the  course  of  our  rulers,  they  authorised 
the  building  of  only  four  frigates  of  forty- four  guns, 
and  two  of  thirty-six.  The  amount  of  the  force,  was 
infinitely  of  less  importance  than  the  recognition  of  the 
principle,  that  a  naval  force  was  necessary  for  the  pro- 
tection of  our  territory  and  our  commerce.  Th*1  el- 
der .Stephen  Decatur  was  amongst  the  first  Post-Cap- 
tainb  who  were  appointed. to  command  our  infant  navy. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  37 

An  opportunity  was  offered  in  the  short  war  which  oc- 
curred in  the  administration  of  Adams,  between  Ame- 
rica and  France,  to  call  into  operation  our  naval  force. 
Indeed  that  war  was  nothing  but  naval  warfare. 

It  is  readily  admitted  that  the  achievements  of  sin- 
gle ships  or  fleets,  in  the  bloody  and  desperate  contests 
which  invariably  follow  upon  the  meeting  of  forces 
nearly  equal,  sheds  a  lustre  upon  the  officers  and  sea- 
men, and  even  upon  the  names  of  the  vessels  engaged 
in  them,  which  is  seldom  awarded  to  the  less  brilliant, 
although  no  less  valuable  protection  which  is  afforded 
to  merchant  vessels  by  public  armed  ships.  The  Ame- 
rican navy  was  commenced  for  the  purpose  of  extend- 
ing protection  to  American  commerce,  and  not  to  en- 
croach upon  commercial  rights  upon  the  ocean.  But 
when  naval  warfare  became  necessary  to  accomplish 
the  great  objects  of  our  administration  in  establishing  a 
navy,  our  early  Post- Captains  did  not  shrink  from  what 
was  then  deemed  a  doubtful  contest. 

The  achievements  of  the  gallant  and  skilful  Trux- 
Ton  and  Little  ovght  never  to  be  forgotten,  although 
their  splendid  victories  in  the  war  of  1798  with  France 
have  almost  been  buried  in  oblivion,  in  the  splendour 
of  the  victories  acquired  by  the  pupils  of  the  first  list 
of  our  naval  commanders  ;  yet,  when  Americans  cease 
to  hold  their  early  deeds  in  our  naval  history  in  fond  re- 
membrance, they  will  forget  the  first  victory  upon  the. 
ocean,  which  stimulated  American  youth  to  search  for 
fame  upon  that  element.  The  eulogy  of  Truxton  is  not 
so  often  to  be  found  in  the  records  of  corporation  din- 
ners— votes  of  thanks — presentation  of  swords,  and  the 
assemblages  of  an  admiring  populace,  as  those  of  his 

4 


38  LIFE  OP 

gallant  followers  in  naval  warfare  who  so  richly  de- 
served everv  honour  and  reward  which  a  grateful  and 
protected  country  have  bestowed  upon  them.  But 
Americans  could  not  then  duly  appreciate  the  value  and 
importance  of  naval  protection,  and  as  to  the  ingrati- 
tude of  Republics  it  has  become  proverbial. 

When  Truxton  in  the  Constellation  compiled  the 
superior  French  frigate  Insurgente  to  strike  her  flag, 
the  naval  power  of  the  French  empire  almost  vanished, 
and  that  of  America  commenced.  When  he  maintained 
a  contest  with  a  line  of  battle  ship,  through  a  long  night- 
battle,  and  compelled  her  to  seek  for  safety  by  flight, 
her  commander  not  then  knowing  his  antagonist,  de- 
clared, that  "  he  mu«t  have  been  an  American  ;  for  no 
other  people  on  earth  could  load  so  rapidly, — fire  so 
accurately, — and  fight  so  desperately.'' 

The  elder  Decatur,  in  the  mean  time,  with  his  gal- 
lant associates  in  the  several  ships  under  their  command, 
were  sweeping  marauding  picaroons  from  the  ocean, 
and  convoying  our  richly  laden  merchantmen  to  their 
destined  ports.  Besides  the  immense  amount  of  indi- 
vidualproperty  thus  saved  to  the  owners,  the  reve- 
nue alone  arising  to  the  government  from  this  source, 
amounted  to  a  sum  greater  than  the  whole  expense  of 
building  and  supporting  the  navy,  up  to  that  period.  If 
this  fact  does  not  appeal  to  the  lovers  of  national  glory, 
it  surely  must  to  the  worshippers  of  individual  and 
national  wealth. 

However  rapidly  we  wish  to  glide  over  this  subject, 
and  trace  the  younger  Decatur  in  his  career  of  naval 
glory,  we  ought  again  to  pause  and  offer  up  a  tribute  of 
unassembled  admiration  to  the  old  veteran  ocean-  war- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  39 

Hours,  who  amidst  perils  that  would  seem  to  appal  the 
very  Genius  of  Victory  herself,  pointed  out  the  path 
to  America  that  so  shortly  has  led  her  almost  to  the  ze- 
nith of  national  greatness.  The  world  at  that  time  was 
literallv  girdled  with  floating  hatteries,  and  all  seemed 
to  be  pointed  at  our  immense  commerce  and  our  hum- 
ble navy.  Nelson,  declared  that  in  this  little  germ  of 
naval  power  he  saw  the  future  rival  of  Britain.  Pride, 
and  fear,  and  avarice,  all  conspired  to  wish  and  attempt 
an  extermination  of  our  gallant  infant  navy.  Even  at 
this  period,  although  at  peace  with  England,  and  fight- 
ing our  worst  enemy,  an  insolent  admiral,  commanded 
the  gallant  and  vigilant  Tryon  of  Connecticut,  and  then 
commanding  the  ship  Connecticut  to  "-  come  under  his 
lee"  as  a  token  of  submission,  or  an  acknowledgment 
of  inferiority.  He  instantly  cleared  his  ship  for  action, 
and  ordered  all  hands  to  quarters.  The  admiral  sent 
an  officer  on  board  to  know  whether  the  order  was 
heard,  and  if  so,  why  it  was  not  obeyed.  '■'  It  was 
heard"  said  Capt.  Tryon,  "  and  the  reason  why  it  was 
not  obeyed,  you  readily  perceive,  is,  that  all  my  hands 
are  at  quarters,  ready  to  defend  this  ship."  Either 
fear  or  admiration  prevented  a  repetition  of  the  order, 
and  the  little  ship  rode  on  the  windward  side  of  the  ad- 
miral with  her  peak  up,  and  her  banners  waving. 

In  the  first  cruise  the  elder  Decatur  made  in  the  fri- 
gate Philadelphia,  he  found  she  did  not  sail  so  swift  as 
he  wished.  As  she  was  approaching  toward  her  station, 
she  was  descried  at  a  distance  by  Capt.  Tryon  bearing 
toward  him.  Owing  to  thick  weather,  or  some  other 
cause  the  Captain  did  not  discover  the  character  of  his 
approaching  visitor,  and  cleared  ship   for  action.     His 


40  LIFE  OF 

officers  and  crew  were  elated  at  the  prospect  of  a  tele 
a  tete  with  some  Monsieur  Capitaine.  They  were  de- 
prived of  that  pleasure  and  enjoyed  that  of  welcoming 
apon  the  station  the  noble  Philadelphia  frigate.  After 
exchanging  the  usual  civilities  Commodore  Decatur 
asked  Captain  Tryon  "  if  his  ship  was  a  good  sailer  ?" 
—"She  will  sail  with  French  picaroons'"  said  Captain 
Tryon,  "  but  I  do  not  know  how  she  would  sail  with 
the  frigate  Philadelphia." — "  Are  you  disposed  to  try 
it?"  asked  the  Commodore.  "  If  you  please,  sir," 
was  the  answer.  The  sailing-match  was  had  ;  and  ia 
the  specified  time,  the  little  ship  Connecticut  run  the 
Philadelphia  "  hull  down"  twice.  The  next  day  Cap- 
tain Tryon  and  his  officers  partook  of  a  splendid  dinner 
on  board  the  Philadelphia,  when  Commodore  Decatur 
jocosely  said,  "  I'll  exchange  ships  with  you  Captain 
Tryon." — The  younger  Decatur  at  this  time  was  ser- 
ving as  Midshipman  in  the  frigate  United  States  ;  and 
little  thought  he  should  one  day  destroy  his  father's 
ship  in  the  harbour  of  Tripoli. 

Innumerable  instances  might  be  mentioned  to  show 
the  veteran  firmness  of  the  American  post-captains  antf 
seamen  of  that  day.  Thank  heaven  the  spirits  of  these 
men  survive  in  their  successors,  and,  in  allusion  to  them 
we  may  exclaim, — "  Amor  patriae  vires  acquiret  eun- 
do."— The  love  of  country  augments  its  strength  as 
it  advances. 


STEPHEN  DE.CATUR.  41 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Stephen  Decatur's  early  education — Peculiar  advantages  enjoyed 
by  him — Enters  the  frigate  United  States  as  Midshipman  1798 
— Promoted  to  Lieutenant — Cruises  in  the  West  Indies  against 
the  French — Enters  the  brig  Norfolk  as  1st  Lieutenant  1799 — 
sails  to  the  Spanish  Main — Re-enters  frigate  United  States — 
Barbarism  of  French  and  Spanish  to  American  Seamen — Vic- 
tories of  Truxton,  Little,  &c— Humiliation  of  the  French — 
Peace  with  France — Rewards  for  heroism. 

Although  Stephen  Decatur  came  into  existence  on 
the  shore?  of  the  Chesapeake  in  Maryland,  yet  he  can 
hardly  be  said  to  he  a  native  of  that  state.  The  resi- 
dence of  his  parents  for  years  before  his  birth,  had  been 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphia — and  they  only  left  it  as 
many  distinguished  citizens  had  done  in  consequence  of 
the  possession  of  that  important  place  by  the  British 
forces  in  the  war  of  the  revolution.  Upon  evacuating 
it,  Decatur's  parents  returned  to  their  former  residence 
there  when  he  was  but  three  months  old. 

In  this  noble  city,  which  has  with  much  propriety 
been  called  the  "  Athens  of  Columbia, "  Decatur  was 
reared,  educated,  and  prepared  for  the  important  and 
splendid  scenes  through  which  he  was  afterwards  to 
pa?s.  A  more  eligible  situation  to  acquire  an  accom- 
plished education,  and  dignified  deportment,  and  that 
ardent  spirit  of  emulation  which  stimulates  noble  minds 
to  noble  deeds,  can  hardly  be  imagined  than  that  enjoy- 
ed by  young  Decatur.  His  father  held  the  first  rank 
amongst  experienced  navigators,  and  his  house  of  course 

4* 


42 


LIFE    OF 


would  be  the  resort  of  men  the  most  enterprising  and 
adventurous.     The  reader  can  almost  now  through  the 
"mind's  eye"  behold  Stephen  and  James,  suspending 
for  awhile   their  literary  studies,  and  rapturously  lis- 
tening to  the  narrations  of  their  father,  as  he  occasion- 
ally returned  from  the   bosom  of  the  boisterous  ocean 
to  that  of  his  tranquil  family.     It  would  naturally  direct 
their  attention  to  that  reading  which  described  ancient 
and  modern  achievements  upon  the  sea.     In  addition  to 
the  advantages  afforded  by  the  best  libraries  and  accom- 
plished instructors,  these  aspiring  youths,  who  may  be 
called  the  Decatii,  had  often  under  their  eyes,  and  of 
course  under  their  admiration,  many  of   the  surviving 
veterans  of  the  Revolution.     After  their  "  young  ideas 
had  been  taught  to  shoot,"  and  their  expanded  intellects 
began  to  dawn,  they  were  amidst  that  body  of  wonderful 
and  profound  statesmen  who  commenced  the  gigantic 
labour  of  beginning  the  Republic  under  the  Constitu- 
tion in    1789.     They  beheld    the   majestic  form    of 
Washington  presiding  with  awful  solemnity  over  the 
anxious  councils   of  the    nation.     They  witnessed  the 
rewards   and  the  honours   then  bestowed   upon  those 
whose  wounds  and  scars  were   received  in  the  great 
struggle  for  American  Independence.     They  learned 
from  time  to  time  the  encroachments  made  upon  our 
commerce  ;  and  they  must  have  heard  much  of  that 
debate,  than  which,  a  more  important  one  never  occu- 
pied the  deliberations  of  our  civil  fathers  :--"  Shall  the 
Republic  have,   or  shall  she  not  have  a  Navy.'7 
They  witnessed,  and  participated  in  the  rapture  which 
pervaded  all  the  great  commercial  towns  in  our  coun- 
try, when  the  first  keels  of  our  armed  ships  were  laid 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  43 

Passing  over  numerous  interesting  incidents  in  the 
early  education  of  these  youths  (for  they  cannot  yet  be 
separated)  at  the  ages  of  fifteen  and  seventeen  <heir 
whole  views  were  directed  towards  the  navy,  and  their 
studies  calculated  to  prepare  them  for  the  duties  of  na- 
val stations. 

At  the  earliest  organization  of  the  navy,  their  father, 
as  previously  mentioned,  was  appointed  first  to  the 
command  of  a  sloop  of  war,  and  soon  after  to  that  of  the 
Philadelphia  frigate.  His  sons,  stimulated  to  enthusi- 
asm by  his  example,  soon  after  followed  it, — and  follow- 
ed him  in  pursuit  of  naval  fame.  It  is  not  known  to  me 
in  what  ship  nor  under  what  commander  James  first 
sailed  ;  and  he  can  no  more  be  mentioned  in  these 
Sketches  until  his  tragical  death,  avenged  by  Stephen 
with  an  heroism  unexampled,  must  be  alluded  to. 

Commodore  Barry,  one  of  the  earliest  Post-Captains 
in  the  American  navy,  obtained  for  Stephen  Decatur, 
the  warrant  of  a  Midshipman  in  1798,  and  he  immedi- 
ately entered  on  board  the  frigate  United  States,  then 
commanded  by  that  accomplished,  although  since  too 
much  forgotten  officer. 

It  was  on  board  this  noble  ship  that  Midshipman  De- 
catur began  to  reduce  the  theoretical  knowledge  he 
had  previously  obtained  of  naval  tactics  and  navigatioQ, 
to  that  actual  practice  which  enabled  him,  after  many 
years  had  rolled  over  his  head,  and  after  passing 
through  many  scenes  of  desperate  carnage,  and  appal- 
ling hcrronr,  in  the  same  ship,  to  conquer,  and  for  the 
first  time,  to  add  a  British  frigate  to  the  American  navy. 

But  we  must  not  here  anticipate  the  numerous 
achievements  of  Decatur,  nor  the  progress  of  the  navy 


44  LIFE   OF 

as  connected  with  them.  It  is  the  design  to  detail  them 
in  succession,  and  in  as  succinct  and  perspicuous  a  man- 
ner as  the  writer  is  able  to  perform  the  task.  He  must 
again  express  his  deep  solicitude,  when  reflecting  upon 
the  difficulty,  delicacy,  and  interesting  nature  of  the 
subject.  He  dare  not  hope  for  applause,  and  scarcely 
hopes  to  avoid  censure.  But  as  he  would  not  be  very 
highly  elated  by  the  one,  nor  very  deeply  depressed 
by  the  other,  he  will  continue  his  delineations,  however 
imperfectly  they  may  be  designed,  or  however  unskil- 
fully they  may  be  coloured.  This  volume  shall  at  least 
be  a  sincere,  however  humble  tribute  of  the  respect 
the  writer  wishes  to  offer  to  the  memory  of  Decatur, 
and  to  the  fathers  and  protectors,  and  augmentators  of 
the  naval  power  of  America. 

The  United  States  frigate,  for  a  considorablp  time  af- 
ter Midshipman  Decatur  entered  her,  was  engaged  in 
the  arduous  duty  of  protecting,  and  convoying  Ameri- 
can merchantmen,  and  chastising  or  destroying  the  con- 
temptible swarms  of  French  and  Spanish  picaroons  that 
then  infested  the  ocean.  Had  Barry,  like  Truxton  and 
Little  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  have  fallen  in  with 
a  French  national  ship  of  superior  force,  during  the 
naval  warfare  with  France,  it  would  not  have  been  left 
for  his  favourite  Midshipman,  Decatur,  to  have  hi<]  the 
frigate  he  then  commanded  to  gain  the  first  frigate  she 
ever  conquered — nor  would  the  glory  of  Decatur,  al- 
though then  jn.-t  entering  the  years  of  manhood,  have 
been  postponed  to  the  contest  with  the  Barbary  pow- 
ers. 

While  in  this  frigate  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of 
Lieutenant  ;  an  evidence  of  his  progress  in  his  darling 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  45 

profession — of  the  attachment  of  his  commander — and 
of  the  confidence  of  the  administration.  The  frigate, 
from  long  cruises  needed  repairs,  and  was  ordered  into 
port  to  be  refitted. 

It  would  seem  that  a  young  officer,  having  been  long 
subjected  to  the  severe  duty  to  be  unceasingly  perform- 
ed on  board  a  frigate  in  the  early  stages  of  naval  life, 
would  pant  for  temporary  repose,  at  least.  Not  so, 
the  ardent  Lieutenant  ;  he  panted  for  nothing  but  na- 
val renown.  The  conquest  of  the  Insurgente,  La  Ven- 
geance, and  Berceau,  aroused  him  to  a  pitch  of  enthusir 
asm,  which  perhaps  needed  the  restraint  of  prudent 
caution.  He  solicited  an  order  to  join  the  U.  States' 
brig  Norfolk.  His  request  was  granted  ;  and  fee  sailed 
in  her  asfirst  Lieutenant  to  the  Spanish  Main  ;  hoping 
that  this  portion  of  the  ocean  would  afford  him  some 
opportunity  for  the  display  of  valour  beyond  that  which 
is  to  be  found  in  the  more  humble  duty  of  conquering 
privateers,  or  convoying  merchantmen.  But  he  re- 
turned back  with  the  Norfolk  without  having  accom- 
plished  the  predominant  wishes  of  his  heart.  But 
while  he  was  thus  progressing  in  his  profession — dis- 
appointed himself,  and  perhaps  disappointing  the  high 
expectations  of  his  too  sanguine  friends,  he  was  ac- 
quiring that  practical  skill  in  naval  tactics — that  myste- 
rious art  of  commanding  freemen,  and  at  the  same  time 
securing  treir  attachment  and  respect,  so  indispensably 
necessary  in  a  naval  commander.  It  was  in  these  early 
schools,  th  it  Decatur  acquired  this  master- ait  in  his 
profession. 

The  U.  States  frigate   having  been   fitted  for  sea*, 
Lieut.  Decatur  entered  her  in  the  same  capacity  ia 


46  LIFE    OF 

which  he  left  her.  The  naval  warfare  with  France 
still  continued,  and  continued  by  Frenchmen  and  Span- 
iards with  a  rapacity,  barbarity,  and  diabolical  cruelty, 
which  assimilated  the  first  mentioned,  gallant  and  hu- 
mane people,  to  the  well  known  sullen,  and  execrable 
character,  of  the  last.  They  preyed  upon  American 
ships  and  American  commerce,  like  ravenous  wolves 
upon  innocent  and  unprotected  flocks.  In  their  treat- 
ment of  our  noble  American  sailors,  they  seemed  to 
forget  that  they  belonged  to  the  human  race.  They 
were  flogged,  lacerated,  almost  starved,  and  what  was 
the  "  unkindest  cut  of  all"  insulted  as  belonging  to  a 
cowardly,  imbecile,  and  mean  nation,  which  had  nei- 
ther the  power  nor  disposition  to  protect  their  com- 
merce or  avenge  the  injuries  of  her  citizens.  The 
name  of  an  American,  which  was  a  glorious  passport 
through  the  world,  after  the  war  of  the  revolution,  was 
thus  sunk,  traduced,  degraded,  and  sneered  at  by  eve- 
ry petty  naval  power  iu  Europe.  England,  though  not 
then  the  decided  mistress  of  the  sea,  behaved  with  more 
respect,  and  although  she  was  then  able,  as  she  has 
since  proved,  to  annihilate  every  fleet  in  Europe,  was 
guilty  of  comparatively  no  insult  or  injury  to  Ameri- 
cans ;  Englishmen  knew  that  Americans  were  too  much 
like  themselves  to  "  Kiss  the  hand  just  raised  to  shed 
their  blood." 

But  retribution  soon  trod  with  vindictive  terror  upon 
the  heels  of  transgression  ;  and  taught  transgressors 
that  their  ways  were  hard.  The  thunder  directed  by 
Truxton,  Little,  Stewart,  Tryon,  Barry,  &c.  and  their 
rising  officers  and  seamen,  astonished  these  indolent 
foes,  as  much  as  the  volcanoes  of  Etna  and  Vesuvius 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  47 

alarm  the  natives  of  Sicily  and  Naples.  After  the  vic- 
tory over  the  Insurgente,  La  Vengeance,  LaBerceau, 
Diana,  Flambeau,  &c.'the  haughty  tone  of  these  boas- 
ing  Hotspurs  was  lowered  down  even  to  mean  supplica- 
tion. Yes,  a  commander  of  a  French  armed  ship  hav- 
ing captured  an  American  merchant  vessel,  addressed 
the  master  of  her  in  terms  like  these,—"  Capitaine, 
you  see  dat  I  now  use  you  ver  -well  !  Le  Diable  ! !  I  ver 
much  fear  dat  I  be  take  myself  by  some  dem  Americaine 
ship — and  pray,  Capitaine,  do  tell  de  Americaine  officers 
dat  I  treat  a  you  ver  well,  so  dat  dey  may  treat  me  ver 
swell,  ven  I  be  prisoner  too."* 

Decatur  continued  on  board  this  favourite  United 
States  Frigate,  advancing  towards  that  perfection  in  his 
profession  to  which  he  afterwards  arrived,  until  peace 
was  negociated  with  France. 

The  peace  with  France,  suspended,  for  a  time,  the 
operations  of  the  gallant  little  navy  of  the  Republic. 
Some  of  the  senior  officers  of  the  navy  retired  to  the 
bosoms  of  their  families,  admired  by  the  commercial 
portion  of  the  community,  and  conscious  themselves 
that  they  had  served  a  country  well,  which  they  loved 
better  than  they  did  themselves.  Although  in  a  gov- 
ernment like  ours,  every  man  may  fearlessly  express 
his  opinion,  as  to  the  degree  of  munificence  that  gov- 
ernment ought  to  bestow  upon  those  whose  lives  have 
been  devoted  to  its  protection,  in  the  field  and  upon  the 
ocean,  yet  the  government  only  can  settle  the  question. 

*  Lest  this  singular  humiliation  of  an  imperious  officer  may  be 
thought  too  highly  coloured,  I  would  state  that  it  was  communi- 
cated by  Capt.  David  Churchill,  of  Connecticut,  who  was  himself 
prisoner  to  this  officer.     His  word  will  never  be  doubted. 


48 


LIFE    OF 


To  pour  out  the  treasures  of  the  nation  upon  fortunate, 
and  victorious  officers  in  the  army  and  nary,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  people  who  supply  the  treasury  by  their 
humble  and  unnoticed  industry,  might  alarm  an  intelli- 
gent and  free  people,  who  vigilantly  scrutinize  every 
measure  of  the  government  ;  especially  those  which 
relate  to  money  concerns.  Monarchies,  whether  des- 
potic or  limited,  always  lavish  favours  upon  those  who 
support  or  augment  the  glory  of  their  crowns.  This 
gives  splendour  to  the  few,  and  reduces  the  many  U 
poverty.  The  recent  dukedom  granted  to  Arthur  Wel- 
lesly,  Duke  of  Wellington,  would  have  afforded,  if  pro- 
perly distributed,  domestic  comfort  to  thousands  of  the 
English  peasantry,  who  have  been  driven  to  insurrec- 
tion for  the  want  of  food. 

But  extreme  cases  never  fairly  test  a  principle,  any 
more  than  an  argument  that  proves  too  much.  The 
question  is,  whether  the  American  Republic  has  not 
hitherto  been  too  stinted  in  its  bounty  to  its  gallant  de- 
fenders ?  The  fathers  of  our  gallant  navy  who  retired 
to  the  shades  of  private  life,  with  garlands  of  laurel 
bedecking  their  brows,  retired  with  them  alone.  The 
treasury  had  been  enriched  by  their  toils,  their  perse- 
verance and  their  valour — individuals  rolled  in  wealth 
around  them,  by  the  protection  they  had  afforded — yet 
th^y  retired  with  no  reward  but  that  applause  which 
their  valour  had  entitled  them  to.  When  communing 
together,  they  might  well  say,  as  Washington,  in  his 
last  communication  to  Putnam  said,  "  Republics  have 
always  been  ungrateful."  The  names  and  the  me- 
mories of  Truxton,  Little,  the  senior  Decatur,  Barry, 
the  senior  Morris,  Tryon,  Dale,  Preble,  and  the  rest.of 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  49 

the  fathers  of  our  navy,  are  cherished  and  remembered 
with  delight  by  every  midshipman  and  lieutenant  who 
learned  from  them  the  skill,  the  discipline,  and  the 
whole  system  of  naval  tactics  which  enabled  them  to 
secure  to  themselves  the  high  honours  and  copious  re- 
wards which  their  country  has  bestowed  upon  them. 
Whether  their  Preceptors  are  to  be  forgotten,  by  oth- 
ers, and  no  national  token  of  respect  to  be  shewn  to 
them,  is  for  the  national  councils  to  decide.  Even  the 
mouldering  manes  of  Washington  yet  remain  without 
any  national  monument. 

5 


50  LIFE    OF 


CHAPTER  V. 

Progress  of  the  American  Navy — Reduction  of  it  by  Act  of  Con- 
gress— Amount  of  it  in  1801 — Lieut.  Decatur's  views  and  de- 
termination— Depredations  of  Barbary  states  upon  American 
commerce — Measures  of  the  American  government — Decatur 
enters  into  the  first  Mediterranean  squadron  as  1st  Lieut,  of 
the  frigate  Essex — his  unremitting  vigilance  as  a  disciplinari- 
an— Address  to  his  seamen. 

Id  the  preceding  chapters,  the  Life  of  Decatur  has 
been  traced  from  his  birth,  to  what  may  be  called  the 
first  period  of  his  naval  progress  from  a  Midshipman  to 
a  first  Lieutenant.  In  pursuit  of  the  design  of  this  work, 
we  must  now  revert  back  to  that  period  of  our  Repub- 
lican government,  when  the  important  question  wheth- 
er the  American  navy  should  be  augmented  beyond  its 
small  beginning,  or  not,  was  agitated. 

It  is  not  the  business  of  the  historian,  or  biographer, 
to  search  for  the  motives,  or  to  investigate  the  measures 
of  statesmen.  This  question  called  into  exertion,  the 
finest  talents  in  our  country  ;  and  in  the  administration 
of  John  Adams,  our  national  council  embraced  an  as- 
semblage of  men  who  would  have  done  honour  to  any 
country. 

It  was  intended  briefly  to  collate  the  arguments  infa- 
rour  of,  and  against  the  extension  of  the  naval  force, 
commenced  by  the  Act  of  1794.  The  intention  is  re- 
linquished for  the  more  exhilirating  and  delightful  task 
of  recording,  with  a  pleasure  which  can  be  but  poorly 
expressed  by  language,  that  the  advocates  for  ntv&l 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  51 

power,  by  the  irresistible  force  of  reason,  supported  by 
the  most  brilliant  eloquence,  convinced  our  rulers  of 
the  necessity  of  naval  defence.  Jn  ^798,  the  navy  was 
augmented  from  six  to  twenty  vessels  of  different  rates. 
It  would  be  useless  to  give  a  list  of  them.  In  the  suc- 
ceeding year  they  were  increased  to  thirty-two,  and, 
what  then  convinced  our  statesmen  of  the  indispensable 
necessity  of  a  gradual  increase  of  the  navy,  provision 
was  made  for  building  Six  Seventy-Fours. 

But,  lest  the  country  should  be  burthened  with  pub- 
lic ships  which  were  unfitted  for  service,  hanging  like 
a  dead  weight,  and  while  exhausting  the  public  treasure, 
could  add  nothing  to  the  public  defence,  Congress,  to- 
ward the  close  of  Mr.  Adams'  administration,  authoris- 
ed the  Executive  to  dispose  of  such  vessels  as  should 
be  deemed  of  the  above  character.  The  wisdom  of 
this  measure  has  since  been  clearly  demonstrated  to  the 
entire  satisfaction  of  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the 
ponderous  and  inextinguishable  debt  in  which  Britain 
is  involved,  and  probably  will  be  as  long  as  she  remains 
a  kingdom.  Although  her  immense  navy  is  that  which 
gives  her  an  almost  boundless  power  ;  yet  our  cautious 
statesmen  knew  well  that  it  had  been  one  great  means 
of  involving  her  in  almost  boundless  debt. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  administration  of  Tho- 
mas Jefferson,  in  1 801 ,  our  Republic  was  at  peace  with 
all  the  powerful  nations  in  the  world  ;  of  course  large 
standing  armies  upon  land,  which  had  no  enemy  upon 
land  to  conquer  ;  and  large  fleets  upon  the  ocean, 
which  had  no  hostile  fleets  to  encounter,  were  deemed 
inconsistent  with  the  public  interest.     The  voice  of  the 


s 


52  LIFE    OF 

people  called  for  an  economical  expenditure  of  the 
public  treasure,  and  chose  rather  to  see  the  national 
debt  discharged,  than  to  see  it  increased  by  any  splendid 
projects  for  the  gratification  of  national  or  individual 
ambition.  That  portion  of  the  public  ships  which  was 
adjudged  useless  to  the  nation,  was  sold,  and  converted 
into  merchantmen.  The  policy  of  that  measure  is  no 
longer  doubted. 

But  the  determination  of  the  administration,  wholly 
to  suspend  the  building  of  the  Seventy-Fours,  when 
materials  to  a  very  large  amount  had  been  accumulated 
for  that  purpose,  disappointed  and  almost  disheartened 
the  friends  of  an  efficient  naval  power.  It  had  recently 
been  seen  what  a  very  small  naval-force  had  accom- 
plished in  the  naval  warfare  with  France,  then  the  sec- 
ond naval  power  in  the  world.  It  had  been  seen,  and 
it  had  been  felt,  what  an  immense  augmentation  of  na- 
tional wealth  had  been  secured,  and  what  a  vast  amount 
of  individual  property  had  been  saved  from  sacrifice  by 
our  gallant  countrymen,  with  a  few  armed  ships,  who 
carried  our  arms  where  they  found  our  enemies. 

In  this  warfare,  as  already  shewn,  the  senior  and  ju- 
nior Decatur  had  taken  an  active  part,  although  neither 
of  them  had  acquired  those  laurels  which  the  one,  in 
the  highest,  and  the  other,  from  the  lowest,  to  the  high- 
est but  one  in  the  grade  of  officers,  had  sought  to  obtain. 
The  father  retired  ;  but  the  son  still  adhered  to  that  pro- 
fession for  which  he  seemed  so  peculiarly  designed,  and 
in'which  he  was  destined  to  act  so  conspicuous  a  part. 

The  following  ships,  in  1801,  after  the  reduction  of 
the  navy  composed  the  whole  naval  force  of  the  Re- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  53 

public— United  States  Frigate  forty-four  guns^the 
President,  Constitution,  and  Philadelphia,  of  the  same 
force  ;  the  Chesapeake  of  thirty-six  guns,  the  Constel- 
lation, Congress,  and  New  York  of  the  same  force  j 
the  Boston,  of  thirty-two  guns,  the  Essex,  Adams, 
John  Adams,  and  General  Greene,  of  the  same  force. 

With  these  few  public  ships,  and  which  were  under 
the  necessity  of  undergoing,  previously,  frequent  re- 
pairs, was  the  American  Republic  to  depend  upon  her 
rank  upon  the  ocean.  It  was  a  hard  case — but  Stephen 
Decatur  was  never  born  to  despair  ;  nor  was  he  born 
to  despair  of  the  naval  glory  of  America.  He  had  a 
mind,  capable  of  foreseeing  the  future  greatness  of  his 
country,  and  a  heart  big  enough  to  encounter  all 
the  dangers  which  might  be  endured  in  advancing  its 
glory. 

When  he  entered  into  the  naval  service,  it  was  not 
done  merely  to  wear  an  epaulette  upon  his  shoulder, 
or  a  sword  by  his  side,  to  excite  the  unmeaning  admira- 
tion, and  stupid  stare  of  the  rabble, — He  had  a  country 
to  save,  and  her  injuries  to  avenge.  He  knew  full  well 
that  the  service  into  which  he  had  entered,  was  a  ser- 
vice pregnant  with  peril,  and  encircled  with  dan- 
ger. This  consideration,  which  would  have  in- 
duced a  timid  mind  te  retire  to  the  peaceful  shades  of 
private  repose,  only  served  to  stimulate  him  t©  pursue 
the  hazardous  path  which  he  had  entered.  Although 
at  this  period  he  might  have  left  the  navy  with  the  re- 
putation of  an  accomplished  young  officer,  yet  this 
would  have  been  too  humble  fame  for  him.  And  yet, 
it  is  not  doing  justice  to  his  character  to  say  that  person- 
al fame  was  his  only  object.     He  was  a  sincere  lover 


54  LIFE  01 

of  bis  country ;  and  was  determined,  whether  in  a  hum 
ble  or  exalted  station,   to  defend  its  rights,  and  secure 
its  independence  as  far  as  his  own  exertions  could  ac- 
complish that  great  object. 

The  little  American  Navy  had  but  a  short  respite 
from  action,  after  the  arduous  duty  it  had  performed  in 
the  predatory  warfare  carried  on  against  American 
commerce  by  the  French,  until  seasonable  chastise- 
ment induced  them  to  make  a  peace  with  America.  The 
class  of  officers  of  Decatur's  grade  had,  in  that  contest, 
began,  and  well  began  their  naval  education.  They 
had  acquired  that  practical  knowledge  of  naval  tactics 
which  qualified  them  to  move  in  more  exalted  stations  ; 
and  the  country  may  now  congratulate  itself  that  an  op- 
portunity was  then  presented  to  call  into  operation  the 
skill  and  the  valour  of  the  youthful  pupils  of  the  Amer- 
ican Navy. 

To  every  historian,  the  history  of  the  barbarous, 
cruel,  and  sometimes  destructive  warfare,  which  the 
Barbary  states,  bordering  upon  the  Mediterranean, 
have,  for  centuries  past  carried  on  against  the  whole 
commercial  world,  is  perfectly  familiar.  It  is  left  al- 
most wholly  to  conjecture  to  determine  why  nations, 
powerful  upon  the  ocean,  have  so  long  permitted  the 
property  of  their  subjects  to  become  a  sacrifice,  and 
their  subjects  themselves  to  become  the  victims  of  these 
merciless  hordes  of  inhuman  wretches.  The  little 
kingdoms  of  Morocco,  Algiers,  Tripoli  and  Tunis,  ever 
since  the  discovery  of  the  magnetic  needle  has  so  im- 
mensely extended  the  commerce  of  the  world,  have 
preyed  upon  that  commerce,  and  made  miserable 
slaves  of  those  who  carried  it  on.     Not  sufficiently 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  55 

powerful  to  draw  forth  the    vindictive  punishment  of 
great  naral  powers,  they  have,  nevertheless,  been  pow- 
erful enough  to  plunder  merchant  vessels  of  all  nations, 
and  reduce  their  crews  to  horrid  bondage.     Had  the 
sanguinary  and  powerful  monarchies  of  Europe,  instead 
of  contending  for  each  others'  crowns,  and  encroaching 
upon  each  other's  dominions,  have  reduced  these  fero- 
cious sons  of  Ishmael,  and  worshippers  of  Mahomet,  to 
obedience  and  fear,  they  would  far  better  have  served 
the  cause  of  humanity.     It  seems  to  have  been  reserv- 
ed for  the  American  Republic,  situated  more  than  three 
thousand  miles  from  these  enemies  of  all  mankind,  to 
reduce  them  to  complete  submission — or  that  submission 
which  is  occasioned  by  fear.     Indeed,  there  is  no  other 
way  for  that  portion  of  the  world   called  Christian,  to 
secure  itself  from  the  disciples  of  Mahomet,  but  by  ex- 
citing their  fear.     They  have  such  a  deadly  and  impla- 
cable  hatred  against   Christians,  that  they  think  they 
render  the  most  acceptable  service  to  their  tutelar  dei- 
ty by  immolating  them  upon  the  blood-stained  altars  of 
Mahomet.     The  most  solemn  treaties  that  can  be  ne- 
gociated  with  them  are  bonds  no  stronger  than  a  rope  of 
sand,  unless  they  are  compelled  to  regard  them  by  a 
force  sufficient  to  menace  them  into  a  compliance  with 
its  provisions. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
American  commerce  was  expanded  over  the  world. 
Much  of  it  was  spread  upon  the  bosom  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean, within  the  reach  of  those  contemptible  Barba- 
ry  states  already  mentioned.  Encouraged  by  the  sup- 
position that  the  American  Republic,  situated  as  they 
supposed  in  a  wilderness  across  an  immense  ocean, 


56  LIFE    OF 

would  afford  no  protection  to  its  adventurous  merchants, 
they  preyed  upon  them  with  impunity.  Having  long 
received  tribute  from  nations  which  they  knew  to  be 
powerful,  they  supposed  Americans  to  be  the  last  peo- 
ple on  earth  who  would  dare  aisail  the  Turkish  cres- 
cent. Their  vessels  and  cargoes  were  considered  as 
fair  plunder,  and  the  only  way  to  redeem  her  citizens 
from  the  most  miserable  bondage  which  the  diabjolical 
cruelty  of  Mahometans  could  inflict  upon  Christians, 
was  supposed  to  be  by  paying  an  exorbitant  ransom. 

The  American  government,  adopted  a  sentiment 
worthy  of  its  rising  greatness,  that  the  whole  community 
is  degraded  when  one  of  its  members  suffers.  Casting 
an  indignant  frown  across  the  Ailantic,  and  over  the 
Mediterranean,  it  beheld  at  home  its  little  gallant  na- 
vy, and  saw  its  officers  and  seamen  impatiently  panting 
for  naval  glory,  and  for  an  opportunity  to  pour  out  ven- 
geance against  these  unsanctified  heathen — these  spoil- 
ers of  unprotected  innocence — these  butcherers  of 
mankind.  Disdaining  to  supplicate  for  favour  or  for- 
bearance from  those  whom  they  could  drive  from  im- 
perious insolence  to  humble  submission,  they  scorned 
the  very  idea  of  paying  tribute,  unless  it  was  at  the 
mouth  of  the  cannon.  If  the  world  once  paid  tribute 
to  Caesar,  it  was  because  Caesar  had  power  to  enforce 
it.  The  American  government,  knew  too  well  the  no- 
ble pride  of  Americans,  to  see  them  paying  tribute  to 
miserable  Moors,  Algerines,  Tripolitans,  and  Tunisians, 
There  is  a  real  dignity  in  graceful  submission  to  irre- 
sistible power;  there  is  a  kind  of  pleasure  in  obedi 
ence  when  paid  to  a  great  potentate  ;  but  to  see  real 
power,  sinking  down  before  arrogant  weakness,  a(   i1 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  57 

cannot  be  endured  by  a  gentleman,  neither  eught  it  to 
be  endured  by  an  independent  nation.  At  this  period 
the  common  sentiment  of  Americans  was 
"Millions  for  Defence — not  a  cent  for  Tribute." 
It  was  uttered  by  the  faltering  tongue  of  age,  and  it 
hung  upon  the  lisping  lips  of  infants. 

Decatur,  if  not  already  in  his  glory,  clearly  saw  the 
shining  path  that  led  to  it.  He  had  not  that  untutored 
and  blustering  courage  which  sometimes,  by  fortunate 
circumstances,  crowns  a  rash  fool  with  laurels,  but  had 
that  cool,  regulated  and  scientific  fortitude,  which  al- 
most invariably  carries  forward  a  great  man  to  tempo- 
ral fame.  If  an  hackneyed  expression  is  admissible  up- 
on a  subject  so  elevated,  it  might  be  said  that  Decatur 
Was  born  to  achieve  victories  "  secundem  artem"  He 
did  not  wish  to  leave  to  the  uncertain  and  variable  for- 
tune of  war,  those  conquests  which  are  to  be  obtained 
by  systematic,  and  regulated  courage.  At  this  period 
of  his  life  he  had  acquired  the  first  rudiments  of  naval 
tactics.  He  had  studied  his  profession  thoroughly,  and 
was  well  prepared  for  admission  to  the  practice  of  it. 

The  first  squadron  fitted  out  for  the  Mediterranean 
was  placed  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Dale, 
who  was  amongst  the  earliest  Post-Captains  appointed 
by  Congress.  Decatur  was  ordered  to  the  Essex  Frig- 
ate as  her  first  lieutenant.  He  had  for  some  time  en- 
joyed all  the  blandishments  of  fashionable  life,  and  mov- 
ed in  its  most  exalted  circles.  He  had  participated  in 
all  the  charms  of  refined  society,  and,  delighted  him- 
self, he  imparted  delight  to  his  associates.  But  he  had 
higher  views  than  those  which  limit  the  mind  of  the 
mere  man  of  fashion.      That  effeminacy  which  is  a!- 


58  LIFE    OP 

most  invariably  produced  by  a  devotion  to  the  unmean- 
ing ceremony  of  modern  high  life  and  fashionable 
amusements,  could  not  impose  their  paralyzing  effects 
upon  this  ardent  child  of  fame.  He  hailed  the  time 
when  he  was  removed  from  the  pretty  amusement  of 
pacing  the  parlour,  to  the  more  manly  duty  of  pacing 
the  deck. 

The  dnty  of  a  first  Lieutenant  on  board  of  a  frigate. 
is  vastly  more  arduous  and  difficult  than  those  who  are 
unacquainted  with  naval  discipline  imagine.  Although 
not  in  absolute  command,  it  is  to  him  the  Captain  looks, 
in  the  first  instance,  for  the  regulation  of  the  ship,  and 
to  him  the  crew  are  perpetually  looking  for  instruction 
in  discipline,  and  in  their  duty.*  Every  thing  is  to  be 
reduced  to  perfect  system,  and  nothing  must  be  left  to 
accident  or  chance.  The  economy  of  a  ship  of  war 
most  nearly  resembles  that  of  a  perfect  piece  of  ma- 
chinery ; — the  parts  must  all  move  in  unison,  and  must 
operate  upon  each  other  according  to  the  original  de- 
sign. To  be  sure,  a  single  ship  or  a  fleet  are  both  lia- 
ble to  be  encountered  by  the  elements  as  well  as  by 
enemies  ;  and  although  they  can  conquer  the  latter> 
they  are  sometimes  compelled  to  bow. to  the  irresistible 
power  of  the  former.  It  would  border  upon  a  truism 
to  say  that  the  utmost  exertion  of  human  skill  and  en- 
ergy, are  feeble  when  compelled  to  struggle  against  the 
decrees  of  that  Power  which  "  rides  upon  the  wings  of 

*  Commodore  Decatur  when  he  afterwards  captured  the  Ma- 
cedonian, thus  speaks  of  his  first  Lieut.  VV.  H.  Allen. — "  To  his 
unremitted  exertions  in  disciplining  the  crew,  is  to  be  imputed 
the  obvious  superiority  of  our  gunnery,  exhibited  in  the  result  of 
this  contest." 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  59 

mighty  winds"  and  agitates  the  bosom  of  the  mighty 
deep.  Even  in  the  perilous  hour  when  '•  rude  Boreas 
blustering  railer"  seems  to  hold  uncontrolled  dominion 
over  the  watery  element,  and  to  dleiy  the  efforts  of  mam, 
there,  order  and  system  is  to  be  observed,  and,  even 
when  sinking  in  a  wrecked  ship,  an  American  seaman 
chooses  to  go  down,  stationed  at  his  quarters.  But 
when  approaching  an  enemy — clearing  ship  for  action 
— beating  to  quarters — and  discharging  all  the  minute 
duties  which,  separately  considered,  would  seem  to  a 
landsman  too  trifling  to  detail,  but  which,  in  the  result, 
produced  such  a  tremendous  effect,  the  utmost  order 
and  most  perfect  system  must  be  unremittingly  observ- 
ed. 

Lieutenant  Decatur,  when  he  entered  the  Essex 
Frigate,  brought  with  him,  not  only  the  most  undaunt- 
ed courage,  but  the  practical  skill  of  an  accomplished 
naval  disciplinarian.  He  also  brought  with  him  the 
manners  and  deportment  of  a  gentleman — officer.  He 
knew,  in  the  sphere  in  which  he  moved,  he  had  a  right 
to  command,  and  to  enforce  obedience  ;  but  he  chose 
rather  to  have  the  noble  fellows  in  the  ship  submit  to 
their  duty  through  voluntary  choice,  than  by  powerful 
coercion.  He  possessed  the  admirable  faculty  of  infu- 
sing into  the  minds  of  seamen,  the  ardour  that  inspir- 
ed his  own  exalted  heart,  and  of  rendering  the  strict, 
and  sometimes  severe  duty  of  his  men,  their  highest 
pleasure.  It  might  be  hazardous,  to  say  that  no  other 
young  officer  in  the  navy  possessed  all  these  qualities  ; 
but  it  is  fearlessly  asserted  that  no  one  possessed  them 
in  a  higher  degree  than  Lieut.  Decatur. 

Assiduously  employed  in  preparing  the  Essex  for  the 


60  LIFE  OF 

first  important  armed  expedition  from  the  new  to  the 
old  world,  he  thus  addressed  the  whole-souled  tars  of 
the  ship  : — "  Comrades — We  are  now  about  to  embark 
iipcn  an  expedition,  which  may  terminate  in  our  sudden 
deaths,  our  perpetual  slavery,  or  our  immortal  glory. 
The  event  is  left  for  futurity  to  determine.  The  first 
quality  of  a  good  seaman,  is,  personal  courage. — the 
second,  obedience  to  orders, — the  third,  fortitude  under 
sufferings  ;  to  these  may  be  added,  an  ardent  love  of  coun- 
try. I  need  say  no  more — /  am  confident  you  possess 
them  all.^  Such  an  address  as  this,  from  such  a  man  as 
Lieut.  Decatur,  to  such  men  as  American  seamen,  some 
of  whom  had  recently  been  led  to  victory  by  Truxton, 
and  all  panting  for  fame,  must  have  operated  like  a 
shock  of  electricity.  In  a  very  few  words,  it  conveyed 
the  ideas  of  an  officer,  ardent  in  pursuit  of  glory — pre- 
pared for  good  or  ill  fortune — determined  to  be  obeyed 
■ — glowing  with  patriotism  toward  his  country,  mingled 
with  cordial  affection  for  his  men.  Looking  to  his  Cap- 
tain as  his  authorised  commander,  he  was  uniformly 
respectful  to  him,  and  thus  set  an  example  to  his  crew 
which  corresponded  with  his  previous  precepts.  He 
had  learned  the  salutary  lessons  of  obedience,  before  he 
aspired  to  the  authority  of  commanding. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  61 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Lieut.  Decatur  sails  in  the  frigate  Essex  to  the  Mediterranean, 
1801,  in  the  first  American  Squadron — Hazard  of  this  enter- 
prize — Captain  Sterrett's  victory  in  the  Schooner  Enterprise — 
Impatience  of  Lieut.  Decatur  in  a  blockading  ship — He  re- 
turns to  America  in  the  Essex — National  glory  and  National 
taxes — Lieut.  Decatur  joins  the  second  Mediterranean  Squad- 
ron as  1st  Lieut,  of  the  frigate  New  York — Sails  to  the  Medi- 
terranean— Incessant  attention  to  duty — Returns  in  the  New 
York  to  America. 

In  1801,  the  American  squadron  under  command  of 
Commodore  Dale,  weighed  anchor,  and  left  the  wafers 
that  wash  the  shores  of  our  free  Republic,  to  carry  our 
arms  into  the  renowned  Mediterranean,  which  laves 
the  shores  of  the  most  renowned  nations  of  ancient  or 
modern  centuries.  Decatur  had  taken  an  affectionate 
leave  of  his  justly  venerated  father,  and  the  highly 
refined  and  literary  circles  of  his  numerous  friends  and 
connections.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  of  a  separation 
of  friends  more  interesting.  The  dignified  and  patriot- 
ic father,  who  had  spent  some  years  in  the  highest  sta- 
tion in  the  navy  when  contending  with  civilized  men, 
had  now  to  dismiss  a  beloved  son  from  his  arms,  who 
was  destined  to  contend  with  merciless  barbarians,  who 
are  totally  regardless  of  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare. 
His  admiring  companions  of  both  sexes,  who  full  well 
knew,  and  duly  appreciated  the  goodness  of  his  heart, 
and  the  urbanity  of  his  manners,  could  hardly  endure 
the  thought  that  he  should  expose  himself  to  becomes 


62  LIFE  OF 

victim  to  his  thirst  for  fame.  But  his  resolution  was 
taken,  and  irrevocably  fixed  ;  and  the  sun  might  as 
well  have  been  divorced  from  the  ecliptic  as  to  divert 
him  from  his  purpose. 

The  reader  may  well  pause  again  and  reflect  upon 
the  immense  importance,  and  imminent  hazard  of  this 
expedition.  To  those  the  least  acquainted  with  histo- 
ry, the  cruel  depredations  of  the  Barbary  states  upon 
the  whole  commercial  world  for  centuries  are  known, 
and  the  indescribable  horrours  of  slavery  amongst  these 
uncivilized  and  inveterate  followers  of  Mahomet,  have 
always  excited  ineffable  dismay.  Nations  bordering 
upon  them,  for  years,  and  we  may  say,  for  centuries, 
have  attempted  in  vain  to  reduce  them  to  submission  ; 
and  only  secured  themselves  from  their  rapacity  by 
paying  them  tribute. 

Since  the  year  1805,  expeditions  to  the  Mediterra- 
nean, have  become  familiar  ;  and,  by  our  officers  and 
seamen  rather  considered  as  pastime,  and  amusement, 
than  as  entering  into  a  hazardous  and  doubtful  contest ; 
but  let  it  be  remembered,  that  until  1801  no  American 
armed  ship  or  squadron  had  ever  passed  the  streights 
into  that  sea,  which  had  so  long  been  infested  by  barba- 
rian corsairs — let  it  al^o  be  remembered  that  Stephen 
Decatur,  was  one  of  those  who  led  the  van  in  the  ac- 
quisition of  the  fame  which  has  since  shone  so  conspicu- 
ously upon  the  American  navy  in  the  Mediterranean. 
This  required  the  most  consummate  fortitude.  It 
might  then,  although  in  a  minor  station,  be  said  of  De- 
catur as  it  was  said  of  one  of  the  first  heroes  of  the  re- 
volution : — "  He  dared  to  lead,  where  any  dared  to 

FOLLOW." 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  6-3 

No  event  of  any  deep  interest  occurred  in  the  squad- 
ron in  its  passage  to  the  Mediterranean.  The  solici- 
tude of  Commodore  Dale, — of  the  Captains, — of  all  the 
Lieutenants  and  Midshipmen,  and  indeed  of  every  sea- 
man, down  to  the  youngest  boy,  may  well  be  conceived. 
From  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war  to  that  time, 
no  American  national  ship  had  probably  been  seen 
sailing  into  the  Mediterranean.  British  fleets  and  ships 
of  every  description  were  riding  triumphant  in  the 
Atlantic  and  in  that  renowned  sea.  Flushed  with  the 
recent  victories  of  the  Nile  and  of  Copenhagen,  although 
at  peace  with  the  Republic,  the  officers  would  look  with 
that  malignant  jealousy  which  characterises  the  feelings 
of  Englishmen  toward  our  countrymen,  upon  a  little 
squadron  of  American  ships,  boldly  sailing  over  the 
theatre  of  their  own  glory.  It  could  hardly  be  expect- 
ed that  that  intercourse  which  always  passes  between 
armed  ships  of  nations  at  peace  with  each  other  could 
be  avoided.  Decatur,  second  in  command  of  the  fine 
little  frigate  Essex  would  not  then  shrink  from  a  visit 
from  any  Admiral,  of  any  grade,  whether  of  the  white 
red  or  blue,  or  of  any  Post-Captain,  or  Lieutenant  in 
the  British  navy.  That  ship,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the 
squadron,  was  in  prime  condition.  Such  intercourse 
did  pass  ;  and,  as  declared  at  that  period,  excited  the 
admiration,  and  jealousy,  although  not  then  the  fear,  of 
the  gallant  ocean-warriours  of  the  "fast  anchored  isle.'' 

Commodore  Dale  conducted  his  squadron  into  the 
Mediterranean,  without  delay — declared  the  port  of 
Tripoli  to  be  in  a  state  of  blockade  ;  and,  according  to 
the  old  principles  of  blockade,  laid  his  squadron  before 
the  port  to  enforce  it.     The  thunder-struck  Tripoli- 


64  LIFE    OF 

tans  remained  in  harbour  with  all  their  force,  not  dar- 
ing to  risk  an  encounter  with  a  new  and  unexpected 
enemy.  This  put  a  sudden  end  to  their  ravages  upon 
American  commerce,  which,  for  eighteen  months  pre- 
vious, had  been  committed  with  impunity. 

But  the  inactive,  though  vigilant  duty  of  blockading 
an  enenrry,  although  of  superior  force,  suited  not  the 
ardent  and  adventurous  spirit  of  Decatur.  It  was  his 
business  however,  to  obey  the  command  of  his  then  su- 
periors. The  wary  and  cautious  mind  of  Commodore 
Dale  was  well  convinced,  that  the  little  squadron  under 
his  command  was  only  calculated  to  afford  protection 
to  his  countrymen,  not  to  commence  offensive  opera- 
tions against  their  enemies.  Indeed,  his  instructions 
would  not  permit  him  to  act  offensively,  as  appeared 
from  the  conduct  of  the  gallant  and  never  to  be  forgot- 
ten Sterretty  commander  of  the  schooner  Enterprize., 
belonging  to  his  squadron.  As  this  event  is  mentioned 
as  connected  with  the  squadron  in  which  Decatur  sail- 
ed, and,  was  theirs*  brilliant  achievement  of  the  Ame- 
rican navy  in  the  Mediterranean,  it  will  be  described, 
as  nearly  as  it  can  be  recollected  in  the  language  of  the 
purser,  when  relating  it  to  the  writer  a  few  years  since. 
— "  Lying  off  the  island  of  Malta,  so  celebrated  in  an- 
cient and  modern  history,  a  Tripolitan  cruiser  bore  down 
upon  our  schooner,  and  gave  us  a  broadside.  It  was 
instantly  returned.  For  two  glasses  [two  hours]  the 
contest  was  terrible  as  can  be  imagined.  She  lowered 
the  Turkish  crescent,  to  the  stars  and  stripes — but  the 
cheers  for  victory  had  scarcely  ended,  when  the  cruis- 
er hoisted  her  red  flag,  and  poured  into  us  another 
broadside.     The  contest  was  renewed  with  renewed 


STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


65 


desperation.  She  again  struck  ;  and  when  Capt.  Ster- 
rettwas  approaching  her,  it  was  a  third  time  renewed. 
The  indignation  manifested  by  the  captain  and  crew  is 
indescribable.  I  left  my  station  as  purser  of  the  ship, 
was  handing  cartridges  to  the  men,  and  distinctly  heard 
the  Captain  exclaim,  v  Sink  the  damned  treacherous 
creatures  to  the  bottom."  The  slaughter  became 
dreadful  on  board  the  corsair,  and  the  commander  pros- 
trated himself  on  the  side  of  his  ship,  and,  with  his  own 
hands  flung  his  own  flag  into  the  sea.  Capt.  Sterrett, 
being  instructed  not  to  make  any  prize,  from  his  quar- 
ter deck,  ordered  the  perfidious  Turk  to  throw  all  his 
guns,  ammunition  and  arms  of  every  kind  into  the  sea, 
and  tell  his  master  this  was  the  only  tribute  he  would 
ever  after  receive  from  Americans." 

Such  was  the  interesting  relation  of  a  spectator  and 
an  actor  in  this  first  and  signal  victory  of  an  American 
ship  over,  a  barbarian  corsair.  Its  authenticity  cannot 
be  doubted,  as  it  is  confirmed  in  all  the  material  circum- 
stances, by  the  publications  of  that  period.  While  the 
reader  feels  indignant  at  the  perfidy  of  the  Tripolitans, 
he  cannot  doubt  their  desperate  courage  in  this  bloody 
conflict.  But  the  consequences  to  the  vanquished  bar- 
barians, when  they  returned  into  port,  shows  the  dif- 
ference between  an  humane  and  generous  nation,  and 
a  despotic,  and  vindictive  power.  The  former  would 
receive,  even  with  applause,  a  defeated  commander 
who  had  bravely  defended  his  ship.  Not  so  with  the 
ferocious  descendants  of  Ishmael,  whose  hands  are 
against  every  man.  not  only  against  all  the  rest  of  man- 
kind, but  against  their  own  inhuman  clan.  The  Bashaw 
of  Tripoli  would  rather  approve  than  condemn  the  per- 

6  * 


66 


LIFE    OF 


fidy  of  his  captain  towards  Capt.  Sterrett — but  to  be 
conquered  by  a  Christian — to  strike  the  flag  of  Mahom- 
et to  a  sect,  deemed  by  him  as  only  dogs,  could  not  be 
endured.  The  miserable  and  forlorn  commander, 
without  even  the  form  of  a  trial,  with  his  wounds  still 
bleeding,  received  five  hundred  bastinadoes,  and  was 
compelled  to  ride  through  the  streets  upon  an  ass  to 
excite  the  furions  contempt  of  the  enraged  populace. 

This  victory,  although  it  might  now  be  deemed  a  tri- 
fle, when  compared  with  the  tremendous  conflicts  which 
have  since  given  so  many  victories  to  American  fleets 
and  ships,  was  nevertheless  of  immense  importance  to 
our  country.  Such  consternation  was  produced  by  the 
loss  of  the  corsair,  and  the  terrible  punishment  of  the 
commander,  that  the  alarmed  Tripolitans  deserted  the 
corsairs  fitted  for  sea,  nor  could  crews  be  found  to  sup- 
ply those  which  were  preparing  for  service.  This 
first  victory  of  Sterrett  and  his  crew  produced  an  ef- 
fect upon  Tripolitans,  even  greater  than  Hull's  first 
victory  did  upon  Englishmen. 

While  Captain  Sterrett  was  thus  signalizing  himself 
in  a  contest  with  barbarians,  Decatur,  as  first  Lieuten- 
ant of  the  Essex,  was  compelled  to  perform  the  duty 
belonging  to  a  mere  blockading  ship.  He  was  too  gen- 
erous to  envy  this  gallant  champion  the  laurels  he  had 
gained  by  his  valour  ;  but  he  ardently  wished  for  an 
opportunity  to  emulate  his  valiant  deeds  by  his  own 
achievements. 

Decatur  was  in  the  situation  of  one  of  the  ancient 
heroes — «  Compelled  to  perform  his  duty,  yet  anxious  to 
gratify  his  inclination."  It  is  undoubtedly  a  most  for- 
tunate circumstance  for  the  naval  glory  of  our  country, 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  67 

that  our  early  commanders  in  the  navy  exercised  cau- 
tion in  avenging  the  injuries  received  from  our  ene- 
mies upon  the  ocean.  Had  rashness  marked  their 
measures,  they  might  indeed  have  shared  with  the  glo- 
ry of  those  who  have  gloriously  fallen  in  "unequal 
combat;"  but  this  would  have  sacured  no  lasting  ben- 
efit to  their  country  in  whose  cause  they  had  embark- 
ed, and  whose  permanent  interest  it  was  their  duty  to 
pursue.  Furthermore,  the  commanders  of  armies  and 
of  fleets  have  no  right,  wantonly,  to  sacrifice  the  lives 
of  the  men,  who  have  either  voluntarily  or  coercively 
been  placed  under  their  command.  Men  are  not  am- 
munition to  be  expended  at  the  pleasure  of  an  ambi- 
tious leader,  who  might  gain  applause  by  sacrificing 
them  as  victims  to  his  unhallowed  ambition.  Commo- 
dore Dale  knew  too  well  the  amount  of  his  force  to  ad- 
vance into  a  contest  where  so  many  chances  were 
against  him.  Had  he  commanded  the  force  which  one 
of  his  successors,  Preble,  afterwards  commanded,  his 
name  might  now  be  as  glorious  as  his.  But  he  accom- 
plished the  great  object  of  his  government  in  sending 
him,  with  the  first  American  squadron  into  the  Mediter- 
ranean— the  protection  of  American  commerce  in  that 
sea.  One  of  his  officers,  Capt.  Sterrett,  commanding 
the  Enterprise,  was  compelled  to  fight  his  ship  single 
handed  ;  and  he  did  it  to  admiration.  Had  Decatur 
been  placed  in  his  situation,  he  would  have  displayed 
the  same  courage  ;  but  he  >vas  reserved  for  a  future 
display  of  that  noblest  of  virtues. 

Commodore  Dale,  having  accomplished  the  object 
for  which  he  was  dispatched  with  his  squadron  to  the 
Mediterranean,  returned  with  it  to  America.      Lieut. 


68  LIFE  OF 

Decatur  returned  in  the  Essex  ;  and  was  received  by 
his  friends  and  countrymen  with  those  demonstrations 
of  respect  which  might  be  expected  from  the  charac- 
ter he  had  previously  established.  He  had  made  his 
entry  upon  the  theatre  of  his  future  glory.  He  had 
received  occular  demonstration  of  the  predominant 
sentiment  of  the  Mahometans  of  Africa — inveterate 
malice  against  his  countrymen,  and  a  determination,  if 
within  their  power,  to  extirpate  Americans  from  that 
sea  upon  which  an  immense  portion  of  their  commerce 
was  carried  on.  H2  had  made  farther  advances  in  his 
favorite  profession,  and  had  studied  the  character  of  the 
ferocious  enemy  he  had  afterwards  to  encounter. 

The  American  government  had  made  no  essential 
additions  to  its  navy  in  the  absence  of  Decatur — that  is. 
to  that  part  of  it  which  was  calculated  for  distant  expe- 
ditions. Not  a  hull  of  a  Seventy-four  had  yet  been  laid, 
and  not  a  single  frigate  had  yet  been  added  to  the  little 
gallant  American  navy.  Although  as  previously  men- 
tioned, provision  had  been  made  for  building  six  line  of 
battle  ships,  aud  the  materials  partially  collected,  the 
national  authorities  did  not  then  see  tit  to  prosecute  this 
noble  endeavour  to  afford  this  -node  of  protection  for 
American  commerce  and  American  territory.  Nation- 
al economy  was  then,  as  it  ever  ought  to  be,  the  fash- 
ionable doctrine.  That  little,  stinted  economy  which 
will  sacrifice  a  future,  although  an  almost  certain  good, 
to  save  a  little  present  expense,  is  by  no  means  meaned 
here  ;  but  that  economy  which  was  calculated  to  save 
the  Republic  from  that  never-ending,  that  constantly 
increasing,  that  load  of  taxes,  which  tears  from  the 
hard   earnings  of  patient  industry,  almost  its   whole 


STEPHEN    BECATUR.  69 

amount  to  increase  the  phantom  of  glory.  One  of  the 
best  kings  whoever  filled  the  throne  of  the  Bourbons, 
when  urged  by  the  most  ambitious  minister  of  any  king, 
to  adopt  some  splendid  project  to  advance  the  glory  of 
his  reign,  answered — "I  have  no  right  to  advance  my 
glory  by  distressing  my  subjects.  I  wish  for  no  great- 
er glory  than  to  see  every  one  of  my  happy  subjects, 
have  a  fowl  in  his  pot  every  day."  I  must  here  be  ex- 
cused for  introducing  the  language  of  a  British  subject ; 
and  no  people  on  earth  are  fonder  of  national  glory 
than  the  subjects  of  George  IV. 

"  We  can  inform  Jonathan  what  are  the  inevitable 
oonsequences  of  being  too  fond  of  glory.  Taxes  upon 
every  article  which  enters  into  the  mouth,  or  coven 
the  back,  oris  placed  under  the  foot;  taxes  upon  every 
thing  which  is  pleasant  to  see,  hear,  feel,  smell  or  taste  ; 
taxes  upon  warmth,  light  or  locomotion  ;  taxes  on  ev- 
ery thing  on  earth,  and  the  waters  under  the  earth — of 
every  that  comes  from  abroad,  or  is  grown  at  home ; 
taxes  on  the  raw  material,  taxes  on  every  fresh  value 
that  is  added  to  it  by  the  industry  of  men  ;  taxes  on  the 
sauce  which  pampers  man's  appetite,  and  the  drug 
that  restores  him  to  health  ;  on  the  ermine  which  dec- 
orates the  Judge,  and  the  rope  which  hangs  the  crimi- 
nal ;  o^P&e  poor  man's  salt,  and  the  rich  man's  spice  ; 
on  the  brass  nails  of  the  coffin,  and  the  ribbands  of  the 
bride  ;  at  bed,  or  at  board,  couchaat  or  levant,  we  must 
pay  !  The  school  boy  whips  his  taxed  top — the  beard- 
less youth  manages  his  taxed  horse  with  a  taxed  bridle 
on  a  taxed  road  ;  and  the  dying  Englishman,  pouring 
his  medicine  which  has  paid  seven  per  cent,  into  a  spoon 
which  has  paid  fifteen  per  cent,  fling*  himself  back  up- 


70  life  or 

on  his  chintz  bed,  which  has  paid  22  per  cent. — makes 
bis  will  on  an  tl.  stamp,  and  expires  in  the  arms  of  an 
apothecary  who  has  paid  100/.  for  the  privilege  of  put- 
ting him  to  death.  His  whole  property  is  then  taxed 
from  2  to  10  per  cent,  besides  the  probate.  Large 
fees  are  decnanded  for  burying  him  in  the  Chancel  : 
his  virtues  are  handed  down  to  posterity  on  taxed  mar- 
ble ;  and  he  is  then  gathered  to  his  fathers,  to  be  taxed 
no  more."* 

Such  is  the  language  of  a  subject  of  the  king  of  Great 
Britain  who  participates  as  much  as  a  subject  can  in  the 
glory  of  Nelson  and  Wellington.  Americans  ponder 
with  inexpressible  delight  upon  the  fame  of  Decatur 
and  Jackson  ;  but  the  tears^of  distress,  occasioned  by 
excessive  taxation,  thank  heaven  and  our  rulers,  are 
not  vet  mingled  with  the  smiles  of  triumph.  The 
shouts  of  a  famishing  populace,  following  in  the  train  of 
a  returning  conqueror,  whose  plaudits  are  rendered 
feeble  for  want  of  that  food  which  has  been  exhausted 
by  an  army  or  a  navy,  can  afford  but  a  miserable  satis- 
saction  to  a  conquering  hero,  when  recollecting  that 
his  glory  has  been  acquired  by  robbing  the  people  of 
the  means  of  temporal  happiness.  "  It  was  not  that  I 
loved  Caesar  less,  but  that  1  loved  Rome  more"  was  the 
exclamation  of  the  magnanimous  Brutus  ovewBfe  body 
of  the  ambitious  and  bleeding  Caesar.  It  is  not,  that 
Americans  are  less  fond  of  national  glory,  or  less  en- 
thusiastically cherish  the  memory  of  its  heroes,  than 
Englishmen,  but  it  is  because  they  better  understand 
the  nature  of  true  national  glory, — that  which  produ- 
ces the  greatest  happiness  to  the  greatest  number. 

*  Edinburgh  Magazine. 


SWlPHEN  DECATUR.  71 

If,  at  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  the 
American  government  had  commenced  the  system  of 
diminishing  the  national  wealth,  by  a  rapid  increase  of 
the  navy,  it  might  indeed,  like  England,  have  afforded 
its  citizens  the  means  of  making  distant  conquests,  and 
causing  the  thunder  of  America  to  reverberate  in  every 
latitude.  Better  understanding  the  true  interest  of  the 
Republic,  and  the  path  to  true  glory,  it  only  sought  for 
sufficient  power  to  defend  our  territory  at  home,  and 
protect  our  commerce  upon  the  ocean.  To  the  ever- 
lasting glory  of  our  rulers,  they  never  led  us  into  an 
offensive  war,  either  upon  land  or  water.  Let  the 
proud  and  imperious  parliament  of  England  boast  of  the 
wealth  she  can  draw  from  the  two  Indies — and  then 
let  her  be  reminded  of  the  distress,  the  misery  and  the 
agony  she  has  spread  over  many  of  the  finest  portions 
of  the  globe,  by  means  of  her  immense  navy.  Can  the 
blood-stained  history  of  Lord  Hastings  in  India — the 
devastation  of  the  whole  Carnatic — the  melancholy 
fate  of  Hyder  Alii,  and  the  Nabob  of  Arcott  be  forgot- 
ten ?  And,  can  the  distress  of  her  own  peasantry • 

But  we  turn  from  the  horribly  disgusting  subject  to  the 
more  exhilirating  one  of  tracing  the  innocent  progress 
of  the  American  navy,  and  the  steps  by  which  Decatur 
reached  the  acme  of  fame  by  his  exploits  upon  the 
ocean. 

After  his  return  to  America  in  the  Essex,  a  small 
chasm  occurred  in  his  performance  of  naval  service. 
Another  squadron  was  soon  fitted  for  the  same  design 
as  that  in  which  he  returned  to  his  native  country — 
protection  of  American  commerce  in  the  Mediterranean. 
The  American  government  had  not  yet  seen  fit  to  ad- 


72  LIFE  OF 

yance  its  naval  force  sufficiently  to  enable  its  naval 
commanders  to  act  vindictively  against  the  ferocious, 
yet  contemptible  Barbary  states.  Severe  chastisement 
they  most  assuredly  deserved  ;  but  TripolitRns  were 
permitted,  a  little  longer,  to  shield  themselves  in  fancied 
security,  and  vainly  to  imagine  that  Americans  would 
no  longer  spread  dismay  amongst  them. 

The  second  Mediterranean  squadron  was  command- 
ed by  the  senior  Commodore  Morris.  Lieutenant 
Decatur  exercised  a  patience  which  his  subsequent  ve- 
hement, and  we  may  say  impetuous  courage  would  lead 
the  reader  to  suppose  he  did  not  then  possess.  He 
continued  in  the  navy,  under  the  certain  presumption 
that  the  government  of  his  country  would  shortly  be 
convinced  of  the  necessity  of  more  energetic  measures 
against  the  Mahometan  pests  that  infested  a  sea  over 
which  American  commerce  was  so  much  expanded,  and 
so  much  exposed. 

In  the  second  squadron,  he  sailed  as  1st  Lieut,  of  the 
frigate  New  York,  a  ship  whose  name  no  longer  appears 
on  our  navy  list.  She  had  become  nothing  but  a  hulk, 
at  the  commencement  of  the  second  war  between  the 
American  Republic  and  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great 
Britain,  and  barely  escaped  conflagration  at  Washing- 
ton, when  the  British  forces,  who  had  a  right,  by  the 
principles  of  civilized  warfare  to  destroy  her,  but  who 
chose,  like  the  ancient  Vandals  in  devastating  Greece 
and  Rome,  to  demolish  and  burn  some  of  the  finest  spe- 
cimens of  art,  and  the  choicest  productions  of  science 
and  literature. 

Nothing  occurred  in  this  squadron  of  sufficient  im- 
portance to  render  a  minute  detail  of  its  operations  ne- 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  73 

ceasary  ;  indeed,  it  would  be  inconsistent  with  the 
design  of  this  work.  Decatur  was  almost  incessantly 
employed  in  imparting  naval  instruction  to  the  under- 
officers,  and  introducing  that  correct  discipline  amongst 
the  seamen,  which  has  since  given  such  perfection  to 
the  naval  tactics  of  America.  The  reader  is  referred 
to  the  preceding  chapter  for  the  sentiments  and  the 
conduct  of  Decatur  when  on  board  the  Esex.  The 
same  course  was  continued  by  him  on  board  the  New 
York  frigate.  When  he  entered  her,  he  had  a  crew  to 
discipline,  who  were  mostly  strangers  to  him.  But  a 
good  seaman  sincerely  respects  and  cheerfully  obeys  a 
good  officer,  the  moment  he  meets  him  ;  and  although 
long  service  in  the  same  ship,  more  strongly  cements 
the  bond  of  union  between  an  officer  and  a  crew,  yet 
■wherever  Decatur  was  placed,  such  is  the  declaration  of 
one  of  his  own  officers, — "  He  seemed,  as  if  by  magic, 
to  hold  a  boundless  sway  over  the  very  hearts  of  his  sea 
men  at  first  sight." 

The  very  nature  of  naval  service  renders  it  necessa- 
ry, either  from  promotions,  different  expeditions,  un- 
expected  danger,  and  numerous  other  causes,  to  re- 
move Post-Captains,  Masters  commandant,  Lieutenants, 
and  perhaps  Midshipmen  from  the  ships  in  which  they 
had  previously  exercised  command  and  performed  du- 
ty, and  with  the  crews  of  which  they  had  become  fa- 
miliarised. Although  it  may  become  indispensably  ne- 
cessary for  the  government  to  pursue  this  course,  that 
necessity  does  not  in  the  least  diminish  the  difficulty  it 
often  imposes  upon  officers.  It  is  admitted  that  an  offi- 
cer can  generally  enforce  obedience  to  his  commands 

7 


74  LIFE    OF 

over  men  whose  names  and  faces  are  as  much  unknown 
to  him  as  those  of  the  enemy  he  may  have  to  encounter  ; 
but  that  obedience  which  is  solely  the  result  of  fear  of 
punishment,  is  vastly  different  from  that  which  pro- 
ceeds from  respect  and  attachment. 

Nothing  occurred  to  Lieut.  Decatur,  any  more  than 
to  the  squadron  generally,  in  this  expedition. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  7.5 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Lieut.  Decatur  ordered  to  take  command  of  the  brig  Argus — 
Fortunate  and  unfortunate  ships — Ideas  of  seamen  concerning 
them — He  sails  in  the  Argus,  and  joins  the  third  Mediterrane- 
an Squadron  under  Com.  Preble — Com.  Preble  and  the  Em- 
peror of  Morocco— Decatur  leaves  the  brig  Argus,  and  takes' 
^command  of  the  schooner  Enterprize — Disastrous  loss  of  the 
frigate  Philadelphia — Lieut.  Decatur  captures  a  Tripolitan 
corsair,  and  calls  her  "  Ketch  Intrepid"7 — Rendezvous  at  Sy- 
racuse— Brief  Sketch  of  Jussuff,  Bashaw  of  Tripoli — Sufferings 
of  Capt.  Bainbridge  and  crew — Lieut.  Decatur  volunteers  to 
attempt  the  destruction  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia. 

After  Lieut.  Decatur  returned  to  America  in  the  se- 
cond  Mediterranean  Squadron,  he  was  ordered  by  the 
Navy  Department  to  take  command  of  the  brig  Argus. 
It  might  be  deemed  rather  fanciful  by  a  grave  and  fas- 
tidious reader  to  remark,  that  it  was  a  fortunate  circum- 
stance with  Lieut.  Decatur,  at  this  period  of  hi*  event- 
ful life,  that  he  had  never  yet  held  any  command  in  a 
disgraced  ship.  Indeed  there  never  has  been  but  one 
disgraced  ship  in  the  American  navy.  But  more  of 
this  hereafter.  Although  seamen  may  be  ranked  with 
the  most  gallant  and  brave  of  men,  I  believe  the  fact 
will  not  be  denied,  that  no  class  of  men  are  so  much  in- 
fluenced by  ideas  of  fate  and  destiny,  more  harshly  call- 
ed superstition.  If  a  merchant  vessel  meets  with  an 
untoward  accident,  even  at  its  launch,  it  is  remember- 
ed by  the  sons  of  Neptune,  and  often  decides  their  con- 
duct in  regard  to  her.  If  she  has  been  partially  wreck- 
ed at  sea,  robbed  by  an  enemy,  lost  many  of  he«r  men 


76  LIFE  OF 

by  contagious  sickness,  or  has  often  been  driven  on 
shore  by  gales,  it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  ship  a  crew 
for  her.  This  sentiment  is,  if  possible,  more  prevalent 
with  the  seamen  in  the  naval,  than  in  the  merchants' 
service.  With  a  high  sense  of  honour,  and  proud  of 
the  name  of  an  American,  they  will  hardly  enlist  under 
an  office?-  who  has  even  been  unfortunate — much  less  if 
he  has  been  degraded.  This  almost  unaccountable  in- 
fluence has  an  equal  control  over  their  minds  in  regard 
to  the  ship. 

Decatur  had  acted  as  Lieutenant  on  board  the  United 
States  frigate  in  the  short  naval  warfare  with  France, 
and  in  the  Essex  in  the  early  stages  of  the  warfare  with 
Tripoli.  Although  these  frigates  had  not  then  acquired 
the  fame  which  is  now  attached  to  their  names,  they 
had  been  almost  constantly  in  commission  since  they 
were  first  fitted  for  sea,  and  had  rendered  services 
which  can  hardly  be  estimated.  The  Argus,  to  which 
he  was  ordered  as  commander,  bears  a  proud  name  with 
American  seamen. 

The  Argus  was  a  fine  vessel  of  her  class,  mounting 
eighteen  guns.  Although  the  command  of  a  Seventy- 
four,  or  a  frigate  gives  to  the  commander  a  superior 
rank  to  him  who  commands  a  sloop  of  war,  yet  the  du- 
ty and  responsibility  is  no  less  important.  The  same 
system  is  to  be  pursued — the  same  discipline  exercised, 
and  the  s;ime  obe  Hence  to  be  shewn. 

It  is  believed  that  at  the  time  Decatur  took  the  com- 
mand of  the  Argus,  the  rank  of  Master-commandant, 
had  not  been  established  in  the  American  navy  ;  for  he 
took  command  of  her  as  Lieutenant.  The  fact  I  owever 
is  immaterial,  as  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  were 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  77 

the  same.  To  one  wholly  unacquainted  with  the  sys- 
tem of  naval  tactics,  it  would  excite  astonishment  to 
observe  the  inimitable  precision  with  which  every  ope- 
ration ia  performed  on  board  an  armed  ship.  To  des- 
cribe it,  would  require  a  volume,  larger  than  some  of 
our  systems  of  military  exercise. 

Lieut.  Decatur  had  become  master  of  hi?  profession  ; 
and  the  Argus,  beng  the  first  vessel  of  which  he  was 
first  in  command,  he  could  introduce  on  board  of  her 
that  discipline,  which  by  unremitted  exertions  for  six 
years  be  had  become  so  perfectly  acquainted  with  him- 
self. Although  he  was  ordered  to  surrender  the  com- 
mand of  the  Argus  to  Lieut.  Hull*  upon  his  arrival  in 
the  Mediterranean,  and  take  the  command  of  the  schoo- 
ner E  -terprise,  then  commanded  by  that  gallant  and 
accomplished  officer,  yet  he  did  not,  in  the  least,  re- 
mit his  accustomed  vigilance  in  preparing  his  crew  for 
the  arduous  duty  which  they  would  probably  have  to 
discharge  under  another  commander.  Stephen  De- 
catur, however  much  he  might  wish  to  signalize  him- 
self by  personal  achievements,  had  no  views  unconnec- 
ted with  the  glory  of  ev<>ry  officer,  seaman,  and  ship,  in 
the  American  navy.  He  felt,  and  he  acted,  as  if  every- 
one of  the  two  first  were  his  brothers,  and  every  one  of 
the  last  ought  to  swim  or  sink  in  defending  the  rights, 
and  in  advancing  the  glory  of  his  country. 

Numerous  interesting  incidents,  tf  no  great  impor- 
tance, however,  might  be  mentioned,  which  took  place 
in  the  pa'ssage  of  the  Argus  across  the  Atlantic,  and  up 
the  Mediterranean.  But  why  swell  the  volume  with 
the  minor  events  of  a  man's  life,  when  it  is  so  exceed- 

*  Now  Commodore  Hull, 

7* 


78  LIFE  OF 

insjly  fertile  with  those  of  a  more  exalted  character  ? 
When  he  arrived  in  that  sea  which  was  shortly  to  re- 
sound with  the  fame  of  his  gallant,  and  I  may  say  roman- 
tic, and  perhaps  desperate,  "  deeds  of  noble  daring"  he 
joined,  as  previously  ordered,  the  Squadron  of  Com. 
PREBLE. 

In  the  very  brief  and  imperfect  notices  which  have 
been  made  of  the  rise,  progress,  and  achievements   of 
the  navy  of  the  Republic,  as  connected  with  the  life  of 
Decatur,  we  now  have  reached  the   second  period   of 
the   naval  renown  of  our   country,   as  the  period  of 
Truxton's  command  may. emphatically  be  denominated 
the  first.     Yes,  Truxton  may  be  called  the  Father,  as 
Preble  may  be  denominated  the  Preceptor,  of  the  bril- 
liant con-tellation  of  gallant  ocean- warriours,  who  now 
grace  the  Naval  Register  of  our  country. 

It  would  be  a  most  grateful  task  for  the  writer  of 
these  imperfect  sketches  of  the  life  and  character  of 
Stephen  Decatur,  if  he  were  able,  to  blend  with  them 
a  suitable  eulogy  on  the  character  of  Pp-eble,  his  favor- 
ite com  nander.  But  any  language  he  could  use, 
would  lag  far  behind  the  feelings  of  those  who  served 
under  that  truly  great  naval  officer,  and  would — 

"  Fall  in  the  ear  profitless  as  water  in  a  sieve." 

Preble  was,  like  Decatur,  bred  a  seaman.  He  early 
saw  the  gathering  storm  which  hung,  in  lowering  dark- 
ness, over  the  wide  spread,  and  rapidly  spreading  com- 
merce of  America.  He  knew  it  must  be  protected  or 
withdrawn  from  the  oceao3  the  highway  of  nations, 
which,  like  the  highways  on  land,  is  infested  with  rob- 
bers.    He  did  not  sink  down  in  despair,  and  lament  that 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  79 

the  merchants'  of  the  Republic  should  be  suddenly  driv- 
en from  the  seas,  but  early  tendered  his  service  to  his 
country  to  aid  in  protecting  it.  His  active  services  did 
not  escape  the  notice  of  a  government,  ever  wishful  to 
bestow  its  honours  upon  those  whose  merit  richly  de- 
served them.  The  eyes  of  the  nation  were  fixed  upon 
Preble  as  the  leader  of  that  gallant  band  of  heroes  who 
were  destined  to  avenge  the  injuries  sustained  by  our 
countrymen  from  the  wretched  descendants  of  Ishmael, 
and  the  merciless  followers  of  Mahomet.  The  choice 
of  him,  for  that  gigantic  undertaking,  evinced  the  pen- 
etrating sagacity  of  our  government. 

Fearful  of  involving  the  nation  in  an  endless  and  in- 
creasing load  of  taxes  by  a  ponderous  navy,  our  rulers 
had  thus  far  only  extended  protection  to  our  Med- 
iterranean trade.  But  the  measures  of  mildness  to- 
wards the  infernal  hordes  upon  the  Barbary  coast,  on- 
ly increased  their  barbarous  ravages  and  implacable 
cruelty  against  christian  merchants.  More  efficient 
measures  were  resolved  upon  by  the  American  govern- 
ment, ant  pacific  language  was  changed  to  that  of  open 
defiance. 

The  year  1803  forms  an  era  in  the  history  of  the 
American  Navy.  A  small  force  was  still  in  the  Medi- 
terranean,  and  the  accomplished,  energetic  and  gallant 
Preble  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  a  squadron 
consisting  of  the  Constitution,  44  guns — Philadelphia, 
44— Argus,  18— Syren,  16— Nautilus,  1 6— Vixen,  16 
— and  Enterprize  14..  Twenty-five  years  ago,  such  a 
squadron  as  this,  coming  from  the  American  States, 
would  have  excited  the  sneers  of  every  naval  power  in 
Europe  :    but  fifteen  years  ago   they   saw   this  little 


80  LIFE    OF 

squadron  accomplish  what  the  largest  fleets  had  never 
done. 

Com.   Preble  hoisted  his   broad  pendant  on  board 
the  frigate   Constitution.     Lieut.   Decatur,  as  he    had 
been. previously  ordered  to  do,  surrendered   the  com- 
maud  of  the  Argus,  and  took  command  of  the  schooner 
Enterprise,   which,   when   commanded   by   the  gallant 
Sterrett  had  been  so  distinguished.     At  the  time  Com. 
Preble  arrived  at  Gibraltar,  he  found  that  the  subjects 
of  the  Emperor  of  Morocco,  in   Moorish  frigates,   had 
encroached  upon    the   rights   of  American  commerce. 
Although  his  primary  object  was  to  administer  salutary 
chastisement  to  the   Tripolitans,  yet,    "  on  his  way" 
to  his  ultimate  destination,  he  concluded  to  pay  a  visit 
to    the  Emperor.     Before    his    arrival,    Cornnfodores 
Rodgers  and  Bainbridge  had  indicated  to  this  Prince  of 
the  Moors  what  he  might  expect  from  Americans  if  his 
subjects   continued  their  depredations  upon  American 
commerce.  .  But  this  imperious  representative  of  the 
Sultan  in  Africa,  seemed  then  to   care  little  or  nothing 
for  a  distant,  and  by   him  a   despised  power,  although 
his  armed  ships  had  been  captured  and  detained  by  its 
commanders.     He  or  his  officers  had  ordered  all  Amer- 
ican merchantmen  to  be  detained,  and  some  had  actual- 
ly been  seized.     Com.  Preble  had  ordered  his  squad- 
ron to   bring  in  all  Moorish   vessels.     Thus,    in  few 
words,  stood    affairs  with   Morocco,  when,  on   the  5th 
October,  1803,  Decatur's  new  commander,  toe  decided 
Preble,  anchored  the  noble  Constitution,  and  ihe  Y\V.\e 
Nautilus  in   the   bay,  uithin  half  a  mile  of  the   strong 
circular  battery  in  the  city  of  Tangiers.     He  was  j  ^ined 
by  the  frigates  New  York,  and   John  Adams,  Com- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  81 

Roclgers.  It  was  a  proud  sight  for  American  seamen, 
to  behold  this  little  squadron  riding  at  anchor  before  an 
Emperor's  powerful  battery,  waiting  the  event  either 
of  a  pacific  interview,  or  a  tremendous  contest.  Every 
ship  was  kept  clear  for  action,  and  every  man  at  his 
quarters  night  and  day, — every  thought  was  fixed  upon 
the  decision  of  Com.  Preble  and  the  emperor  of  Mo- 
rocco. 

Upon  the  6th,  the  Emperor  made  his  appearance 
with  20,000  troops  on  the  beach,  in  full  view  of  the 
squadron.  After  an  exchange  of  salutes  from  the 
•quadron  and  the  battery,  the  Emperor,  instead  of  send- 
ing forth  the  messengers  of  death,  in  hot  shot  and  grape, 
seat  a  present  of  bullocks,  sheep,  and  fowls.  But  as 
the  first  would  have  excited  no  .fear,  the  last  created 
but  little  joy.  It  was  no  time  for  ceremony. — Preble 
was  a  man  of  business  and  his  business  must  be  done  ; 
and  that  without  delay— he  had  more  important  con- 
cerns with  the  Bashaw  of  Tripoli,  than  he  had  with  the 
potent  Emperor  of  Morocco.  Upon  the  8th  the  Em- 
peror condescended  again  to  lo^k  upon  Corn.  Preble's 
little  squadron.     Upon  the  9th,  the  American  Consul* 

*This  was  the  vener-ble  James  Simpson,  who  was  appointed 
by  President  Washington  as  consul  at  Morocco,  soon  alter  the 
organization  of  the  American  government.  He  scarcely  saw  his 
native  country  again  to  the  day  of  his  death  in  1820.  He  had 
erected  a  beautiful  mansion  house  upon  a  commanding  eminence 
in  the  vicinity  of  Tangier,  which  he  dignified  by  the  name  of 
Mount  Washington.  "While  the  author  of  these  sketches  was 
writing  a  description  of  the  Desert  of  Sahara,  of  the  manners, 
habits  and  customs  of  the  Wandering  Arabs,  and  of  the  Western 
coast  of  Africa,  from  the  narration  of  the  worthy  and  ingenuous 


B2  LIFE    OF 

w;!"  permitted  to  communicate  with  the  Commodore, 
and  assured  him,  that  all  American  ships  detained 
should  be  released,  by  order  of  the  Emperor,  and  that 
the  Emperor  would  give  audience  to  the  Commodore 
on  shore  the  next  day. 

Upon  the  ICtli,  the  undaunted  Commodore,  having 
given  orders  to  the  commander  of  his  squadron  in  his 
absence,  to  prepare  for  the  worst,  went  ashore  with 
only  four  attendants,*  in  full  uniform  .-and  completely 
armed.  He  was  as  fearless  on  shore  in  Africa,  as  he 
was  on  board  of'his  squadron  in  the  bay  ofTangiers. 
His  admiring  countrymen  in  the  squadron,  wer*;  gazing 
with  anxious  and  silent  expectation  for  the  result  of  the 
interview  ;  but  the  Commodore  and  his  suite,  of  which 
the  American  consul  was  one,  walked  through  the 
double  tiles  of  Moorish  dragoons  with  as  much  compo- 
sure as  they  would  have  paced  the  quarter-deck  of  the 

Capt.  Robbins,  so  long  a  slave  to  the  Arabs,  he  often  mentioned 
this  venerable  consul  as  the  most  benevolent  friend  of  Christian 
slaves  and  American  seamen.  It  was  to  the  exertions  of  this  ex- 
cellent man  at  Tangier,  and  of  that  pattern  of  humanity,  Hon. 
William  Willshire,  at  Mogadore,  that  so  many  wretched 
slaves  have  been  restored  to  freedom  and  happiness.  After  fin- 
ishing the  volume,  I  suggested  to  Capt.  Robbins  the  propriety  of 
dedicating  it  to  these  gentlemen,  and  couched  the  dedication  in 
these  terms — "  Gentlemen — permit  me  to  oifer  this  volume  to 
you.  I  have,  upon  the  ocean,  endured  the  distress  occasioned 
by  the  elements — upon  land,  the  miseries  inflicted  by  mow,  and 
from  you  have  enjoyed  the  blessings  of  hu  nane  benevolence, 
which  I  can  repay  only  by  lasting  gratitude."       A.  Robbins. 

*  Capt.  Charles  Morris  attended  the  Commodore  as  his  Secre- 
tary, and  communicated  these  and  many  more  particulars. 


„ STEPHEN    DECATUR.  83 

frigate  Constitution  which  was  prepared  to  defend  them, 
or  to  spread  dismay  amongst  the  Moors.  The  Com- 
modore was  requested,  not  ordered,  to  lay  aside  his  arms, 
which  he  promptly 'declined.  He,  with  the  venerable 
American  Consul,  approached  the  Emperor  who  was 
arrayed  in  all  the  magnificent  splendour  of  an  eastern 
despot,  and  surrounded  by  an  immense  retinue  of  prin- 
ces, guards,  and  slaves.  The  Emperor  asked  the  Com- 
modore if  he  was  not  in  the  fear  of  being  detained  as  a 
slave.  "  No,  Sir,  you  dare  not  detain  me- — but  if  you 
should  presume  to  do  it,  my  squadron  now  in  your  full 
view,  would  lay  your  battery,  your  city  and  your  cas- 
tles in  ruins,  in  one  hour."  The  awe-struck  emperor, 
immediately  gave  orders  for  the  restoration  of  all 
American  ships,  and  confirmed  the  treaty  of  1786.  The 
Commodore  revoked  his  orders  to  capture  Moorish 
vessels,  and  thus,  in  a  few  days  brought  one  of  the  most 
powerful  of  the  Barbary  State©  to  the  terms  of  peace. 

Decatur,  in  the  schooner  Enterprise  had  for  some  time 
laid  off  the  island  of  Malta,  preparing  for  the  contest 
which  he  concluded  must  be  entered  into  when  Com. 
Freble  was  ready  to  direct  his  whole  forces  against 
Tripoli.  He  had  infused  into  the  bosoms  of  his  officers 
and  seamen  the  noble  ardour  that  inspired  his  own. 
Commodore  Preble,  having  settled  his  affairs  with  the 
Emperor  of  Morocco,  was  now  preparing  to  accomplish 
the  great  object  of  his  expedition — the  complete  sub- 
jugation of  Tripoli. 

During  this  period,  Capt.  Bainbridge,  in  the  frigate 
Philadelphia,  (whose  first  commander  was  Decatur's 
father)  with  the  Vixen  Sloop  of  war,  laid  before  Tri- 
poli, and,  with  this  small  force,  completely  blockaded 


84  LIFE  OF 

that  important  port.     On  the  last  day  of  October,  the 
Philadelphia,  lying  about  fifteen  miles  from  Tripoli, 
Capt.  Bainbridge  discovered  a  large  ship  with  Tripoli- 
tan  colours,  between  him  and  the  shore.     He  immedi- 
ately gave  chase  to  her,  and  continued  the  pursuit,  un- 
til the  ship  entered  the  port  for  safety.     In  beating  out 
of  the  harbour,  this  noble. frigate  struck  violently  upon 
an  unseen  and  an  undescribed  rock.     It  is  wholly  im- 
possible to  conceive  what  must  have  been  the  feelings 
of  the  gallant  Bainbridge,  and  his  no   less  gallant  offi- 
cers   and  crew,  upon    the  happening  of  this   dreadful 
disaster.     He  was   even  in  a  worse  predicament  than 
the    heroic  Trowbridge    in  the    Culloden    upon  the 
ground.     He    was  Compelled  to  remain  immoveable  ; 
and,  unable  to   aid,  was  only  a  witness  of  one  of  the 
splendid  victories  of  Nelson.  Bainbridge  and  his  crew, 
while  the  frigate  floated,  would  have  foughj  all  Tripoli 
single-handed.     But  his  irreversible  fate   was   decided 
—the  ship  could  not  then  be  moved,  and  he  was  com- 
pelled, when  an  overwhelming  Tripolitan  force  assail- 
ed him,  to  strike  the  banner  of  his  country  to  the  cres- 
cent of  Mahomet,  and,  with  his  noble  crew,  to  be  re- 
duced to  the  most  abject  slavery,  which  the  most  mer- 
ciless of  human  beings  can  inflict  upon  civilized  man. 
The  whole  crew  exceeded  three  hundred  Americans  ; 
and  they  were  immediately  immured  in  a  dungeon.     In 
this  crew  were  Bainbridge,  Porter,  Jones,  and  Biddle, 
— names  familiar  to  every  American  who  knows  or  ap- 
preciates the  glory  of  their  country.     And  here  1  have 
the  infinite  satisfaction  of  recording  an  instance  of  mu- 
tual attachment,  perhaps  without  a  parallel  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  most  romantic  affection.     Capt.  Bainbridge, 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  85 

his  officers  and  crew,  now  reduced,  in  a  degree,  to 
equality,  by  common  misery,  pledged  themselves  to 
each  other,  never  to  separate  alive  ;  but  to  endure  one 
common  bondage,  or  enjoy  together  one  general  eman- 
cipation. The  friends  of  the  accomplished  Biddle  of- 
fered the  sum  demanded  for  his  ransom,  which  he  de- 
cidedly refused  to  accept.  This  noble  crew  were  con- 
fined in  a  tower  which  overlooked  the  bay  of  Tripoli. 
They  beheld  their  gallant  countrymen,  wafting  trium- 
phantly in  their  floating  bulwarks,  and  knew  that  the 
day  of  their  redemption  would  one  day  come.  They 
knew  that  a  Preble,  a  Decatur,  and  the  whole  band  of 
unconquerable  warriours  from  the  "  land  of  their  home," 
would  not  forget  them.  They  knew  what  they  had 
done  in  Morocco  and  what  they  could  do  in  Tripoli. 
Yet  might  they  well  say  with  the  first  of  geniuses, — 
*;  Disguise  thyself  as  thou  wilt — still,  slavery,  thou  art 
a  bitter  cup."  They  could  not  help  thinking  of  their 
country — their  friends  ;  and,  what  to  an  ocean-warri- 
uor  perhaps  is  dearer  than  all,  the  laurels  they  wished 
to  gain  in  chastising  the  diabolical  wretches,  who,  by 
an  unavoidable  disaster,  and  not  by  their  courage,  now 
held  them  in  degraded  subjugation. 

But  we  turn  from  a  picture,  coloured  in  the  darkest 
shades  of  human  calamity,  to  one  of  the  brightest  or* 
naments  of  the  human  race.  Lieutenant  Decatur,  en 
the  14th  of  December  sailed  from  Malta  with  the 
Schooner  Enterprise,  and  laid  his  course  for  Tripoli. 
The  Tripolitans  had  seen  this  little  Schooner  before, 
and  the  reader  already  knows  what  was  the  result  of 
the  interview. 

On  the  23d,  in  full  view  of  Tripoli,  he  engaged  an 

8 


86  LIFE    OF 

armed  Tripolitan  vessel ;  and  in  a  few  minutes  made 
her  his  own.  She  was  under  Turkish  colours  and 
manned  principally  with  Greeks  and  Turks,  and  com- 
manded by  a  Turkish  captain.  Under  these  circum- 
stances, the  Lieutenant  hesitated  for  some  time  wheth- 
er to  detain  or  release  the  captured  vessel.  Upon  in- 
vestigation, he  found  that  there  was  on  board  two  very 
distinguished  Tripolitan  officers,  and  that  the  comman- 
der of  her,  in  the  most  dastardly  manner,  had  attacked 
the  Philadelphia  frigate  when  driven  on  a  rock.  He 
farther  learned  that  on  this  occasion  he  fought  under 
false  colours  ;  and  ihat  when  the  heroic  but  unfortu- 
nate crew  of  the  Philadelphia  could  no  longer  resist 
the  immense  force  brought  against  her,  he  boarded 
her  ;  and,  with  the  well  known  ferocity  of  a  Mahome- 
tan, plundered  the  officers  of  the  captured  frigate. 
Here  the  exalted  charaoter  of  Decatur  began  to  be  de- 
veloped. He  was  then,  as  he  ever  was,  a  lamb  to  his 
friends — a  lion  to  his  enemies.  He  had  before  his 
eyes  the  beloved  frigate  which  had  fallen  a  victim  to 
misfortune  and  to  demons.  But,  adhering  rigidly  to 
th€  rights  of  war,  he  manifested  no  resentment  against 
the  humbled  and  trembling  wretches  now  in  his  power. 
His  great  spirit  scorned  to  make  war  upon  weakness, 
or  triumph  over  a  fallen  foe.  He  indignantly  disposed 
of  the  crew — forwarded  the  papers  of  the  vessel  to 
the  American  government — took  her  into  the  service  of 
his  own  country,  and  gave  her  a  name  which  she  af- 
terwards so  well  supported, — The  Ketch  Intrepid. 

Notwithstanding  tlie  loss  of  the  fine  frigate  Philadel- 
phia, and  the  bondage  of  her  noble  crew,  which  very 
materially  reduced  the  force  of  Com.  Prebk's  little 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  87 


/ 


squadron,  that  veteran  officer  was  not  to  be  deterred 
from  attempting  to  accomplish  the  great  object  of  his 
government  in  sending  him  to  the  Mediterranean.  For- 
tunately for  his  own  fame,  and  for  the  lasting  glory  and 
benefit  of  his  beloved  country,  he  united  the  most  cool 
deliberation,  with  the  most  dauntless  courage.  The 
first  enabled  him  to  prepare  well  for  the  tremendous 
contest  which  lay  before  him.  He  might  have  exclaim- 
ed, in  the  language  of  an  inimitable,  although  not  a  very 
modern  Bard  : 

"  The  wide,  th'  unbounded  prospect  lies  before  me, 
But  shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness  sit  upon  it." 

The  second  enabled  him,  when  entered  into  the 
dreadful  brunt  of  devastating  warfare,  to  brave  death 
in  its  most  appalling  and  horrid  forms.  In  Lieut.  Deca- 
tur, he  recognized  a  chivalrous  warriour,  who,  amidst  a 
host  of  dangers  and  the  strides  of  death,  thought  less  of 
himself  than  he  did  of  his  country  and  his  crew.  For- 
tunately was  it,  we  may  again  say  that  there  was  such  a 
man  as  Preble,  at  such  a  time,  to  command  such  a  man 
as  Decatur.  He  wanted  nothing  to  stimulate  him  to  the 
most  daring  attempts.  At  that  youthful  period  of  his 
life,  his  courage  rather  needed  restraint  than  excitement. 
Preble,  as  commander  of  the  little  squadron  in  the  Me- 
diterranean was  in  some  measure  situated  as  Jackson 
was,  when  commanding  his  little  army  at  New  Orleans. 
His  language  to  Mr.  Monroe,  then  Secretary  at  War,  was, 
<4  As  the  safety  of  this  city  will  depend  upon  the  fate  of 
this  army,  it  must  not  be  incautiously  exposed."  The 
gallant  Commodore  might  have  said  : — "  As  the  glory 
ef  my  country,  the  safety  of  her  merchants,  and  the 


88  LIFE    GF 

redemption  of  my  countrymen  from  slavery,  depend 
upon  my  small  force,  it  must  not  rashly  be  carried  into 
a  contest,  where  so  many  chances  are  against  its  suc- 
cess." 

He  selected  the  harbours  of  the  cities  of  Syracuse 
and  Messina  for  his  general  rendezvous  in  the  Mediter- 
ranean,— occasionally  laid  off  the  islaud  of  Malta,  and 
sometimes  carried  his  squadron  into  the  hay  of  Nap\>2s. 
No  portion  of  this  globe  could  afford  the  ardent  hero 
and  the   classical   scholar   a  more  sublime  subject  for 
contemplation.     Except  some  sections  of  the  immense 
American  Republic,  no  part  of  our  world  seenistohave 
been  created  upon  a  scale  so  wonderfully  grand.     It  is 
calculated  to  inspire  the  most  exalted  views  of  the 
boundless  greatness  and  incomprehensible  wisdom  of 
creative  power.     Our  countrymen  were  here  almost 
in  view  of  Etna,  and   Vesuvius,  which  have  for  ages 
spread  desolation  over  tjje  cities  at  their  bases.     The 
grulf  of  Charybdis,  the  place  where  Euphemia  once  was, 
and    where   the    hideous    desolation  of  earthquakes 
are  yet  visible  through  Calabria,  were  within  a  few 
hours  sail.     In  addition  to  this,  it  has  been  the  the- 
atre of  the  most   important   events   recorded  in  an- 
cient or  modern  history.     The  mind  of  the  historian, 
the  scholar,  the  poet  and  the  warriour,  seem  to  be  ir- 
resistibly  hurried  back  to  the  days  of  antiquity,  and 
traces  the  events  and  the  works  which  have  so  aston- 
ishingly developed  the  moral,  physical,  and  intellec- 
tual faculties  of  man.     Commodore  Preble  had   in  his 
squadron  many  scholars  of  the  first  water,  as  they  were 
all  heroes  of  the  first  stamp.  The  region  in  which  they 
moved,  and  the  object  they  had  to  accomplish,  were 


STEPHEN    DECATUR. 


39 


both  calculated  to  stimulate  them  to  that  pitch  of  un- 
paralleled enthusiasm,  which  led  them  to  the  achieve- 
ment of  such  unparalleled  deeds. 

The  renowned  city  of  Syracuse  is  situated  upon  the 
island  of  Sicily.  The  historian  will  readily  recollect 
its  former  grandeur  and  importance  ;  but  the  writer  has 
enjoyed  the  infinite  satisfaction  of  learning  its  present 
state,  from  some  of  the  accomplished  officers  of  Com- 
modore Preble's  squadron,  and  other  American  gentle- 
men, who  have  recently  explored  the  island  of  Sicily, 
and  resided  in  the  city  of  Syracuse.  This  island  was 
once  the  region  of  fertility  ;  and  while  the  Roman  le- 
gions were  striding  from  conquest  to  conquest,  over 
what  was  then  called  "  the  whole  world,"  this  island 
was  literally  their  granary.  The  climate  is  altogether 
the  finest  that  can  be  imagined.  The  soil  produces 
not  only  all  the  necessaries,  but  all  the  luxuries  of  life. 
The  ancient  Syracusans  carried  their  city  to  a  pitch  of 
grandeur,  second  only  to  that  of  Rome.  It  can  hardly 
be  believed  in  the  nineteenth  century,  that  this  single 
city,  in  ancient  days,  furnished  one  hundred  thousand 
foot  soldiers,  and  ten  thousand  horsemen,  but  such  was 
the  fact.  And  when  it  is  mentioned  that  her  navy 
amounted  to  four  hundred  vessels,  the  assertion  would 
almost  seem  to  be  incredible,  but  it  is  no  less  true.  At 
that  period  of  their  history,  the  Syracusans  flourished 
by  war, — they  afterwards  became  degenerated  by- 
peace.  Rome  conquered  Greece  by  arms,  and  was 
herself  conquered  by  the  refinements  of  Greece.  It 
was  easy  for  the  clans  which  composed  what  is  gene- 
rally culled  the  '•  Northern  Hive"  in  the  fifth  century  of 
the  Christian  era  to  conquer  them  both.    They  only  had 

8  * 


90 


LIFE    OF 


to  conquer  apeople  by  arms,  who  had  conquered  them 
selvs  by  effeminacy.     The  Saxons,  from  whom  English- 
men and  Americans  principally  derive  their  origin,  led 
the  van  of  that  myriad  who  precipitated  themselves 
upon  the  ancient  nations  of  Europe,   and   established 
those  which  now  so  clompletely  eclipse  their  former 
splendour.     The  Gauls,  Franks,  and  other  clans  follow- 
ed in  their  train,  and  European  nations  are  now  what 
the  Romans,  Grecians,   Carthagenians,   and  other  an- 
cient nations  were,  about  the  commencement  of  the 
Christian  era  ;  and  London,  Paris,  and  other  cities  are 
now,  what  Rome,  Syracuse,  and  other  cities  were  then. 
While  at  anchor  in  the  harbour  of  Syracuse,  Lieut. 
Decatur,  and  his   brother  officers   frequently  went  on 
shore,  and  explored  this  city  of  ancient  wealth,  refine- 
ment and  grandeur.     In  point  of  extent,  the  residence 
of  the  Lieutenant,  when  in  America,  (although  Phila- 
delphia is  the  largest  city  in   our  Republic,)  it  would 
bear  but  a  feeble  comparison  with  Syracuse.     It  is 
twenty-two  miles  in  circumference  ;  although  its  limits 
could  then  be  discovered  only  by  the  mouldering  ruins 
of  its  ancient  boundaries.     Although  the  natural  charms 
of  the  country  remain  the  same  as  they  were  when  the 
fiat  of  creative  power  brought  the  universe  into  exist- 
ence, yet  the  miserable,  degenerated,  effeminated,  and 
vitiated  descendants  of  the  ancient  Syracusans,  had  so 
scandalously  degraded  the  noble  ancestors  from  whom 
thf  ydesoeoded,that  the  officers  ofCommodore  Preble's 
squadron,  saw  nothing  in  them  to  excite  their  respect 
—•much  less  their  admiration. 

But  Decatur  was  not  ordered  by  his  government  to 
sail  in  an  American  armed  ship,  to  the  Mediterranean 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  91 

for  the  purpose  of  visiting  the  tombs  of  Archimedes, 
Theocritus,  Petrarch  and  Virgil,  or  to  return  home  and 
amuse  and  delight  his   countrymen  with  the  present 
state  of  the  "  classic  ground"  which  these  splendid  gen- 
iuses have  rendered  sacred.     His  business  was  to  con- 
quer a  barbarous  foe  bordering  upon   another  portion 
of  the  Mediterranean,  who  never  had  any  more  pre- 
tensions to  the  productions  of  genius,  than  they   have 
to  the  exercise  of  humanity.     He  perfectly  understood 
the  ancient  character  of  the  Syracusans,  and  from  oc- 
cular  demonstration,  had  plenary  evidence  of  their  mod- 
ern degeneracy.     As  the  squadron  rendezvoused  there 
to  obtain  water  and  fresh  provisions,  the  officers  and 
seamen  had  occasion  frequently  to  be  on  shore  within 
the  city  by  night  and  by  day.     Although  the  American 
Republic  was  at  peace  with  the  Neapolitan  government, 
jet  there  was  no  individual  safety    when  intercourse 
became  necessary  with  its  vindictive  and  sanguinary 
subjects.     From  many  interesting  narrations  of  many  of 
the   accomplished     officers  of    Commodore    Preble's 
squadron,  the  fact  may  be  asserted  that  the  Syracus- 
sns,  who  were  amongst  the  most  noble  of  the  ancients, 
are  amongst  the  most  degraded  of  the  moderns/   Their 
sordid  and  mercenary  rulers  exercise  a  boundless,  un- 
defined and  unrestrained  power  over  the  miserable  and 
degraded  people — they,  in  hopeless  despondence,  prey 
upon  each  other  ;  and,   like  Matbfeth,  having  long  wa- 
ded in  blood,  may  as  well  advance  as  to  recede  ;  and.  as 
it  blood  was  their  aliment ,  they  make  a  business  of  as~ 
sassinaiion,     Armed  with  concealed  daggers,  stilettoes, 
and  knives,  our  unsuspecting  officers  and  seamen  were 
assailed  when  the  earth  was  shrouded  in  darkness,  and 


92  LIFE  OF 

sometimes  escaped  with  th^ir  lives  by  putting  their  as- 
sailants to  death.  Lieut.  Decatur,  with  his  favourite 
associate,  Midshipman  Macdonough.  having  occasion  to 
be  ashore  until  evening,  the  latter  was  assailed  by  three 
of  these  armed  assassins.  He  placed  himself  against 
the  wall  of  an  ancient  ruin,  and  defended  himself  with 
his  cutlass.  He  severely  wounded  two  of  the  assail- 
ants, the  third  fled  ;  and  for  safety  ascended  to  the  top 
of  a  building — was  pursued  by  Macdonough,  precipita- 
ted himself  to  the  ground,  and  met  with  the  reward  of 
his  infernal  thirst  for  blood,  in  instantaneous  death. 

This  is  no  place  for  grave  and  prolix  reflections — 
they  belong  to  the  writers  of  ethics,  and  not  to  the  bi- 
ographer ;  but  it  is  utterly  impossible  to  avoid  the  in- 
quiry, how  the  human  heart  can  become  so  completely 
divested  of  the  feelings  of  humanity,  and  be  metamor- 
phosed into  tho?e  of  beasts  of  prey  ? — and  how  those 
portions  of  the  world  where  the  arts  and  sciences  not 
only  once  flourished,  but  may  be  said  almost  to  have 
originated,  should  now  be  reduced  to  a  state  far  worse 
than  that  which  is  naturally  savage  ?  Many  portions  of 
Asia,  Europe  and  Africa,  bordering  upon  the  renowned 
Mediterranean  sea,  are  now  inhabited  by  races  of  men 
far  less  magnanimous,  and  little  less  ferocious,  than  the 
aborigines  who  roam  through  the  boundless  wilder- 
nesses of  America,  where  science  never  diffused  its 
lights,  and  where  civilization  never  imparted  its  refin- 
ed blessings. 

While  at  Syracuse,  Lieut.  Decatur  was  incessantly 
employed  in  preparing  his  crew  for  the  unequal,  the 
daring  and  desperate  contest  in  which  he  was  shortly 
to  enter.     His  arduous  and  impatient  soul  panted  for  an 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  93 

©pportunity  to  avenge  the  injuries  of  his  country,  and 
above  all,  to  relieve  his  countrymen  from  the  dreadful 
state  of  wretchedness  to  which  they  were  reduced  by 
their  slavery,  under  Jussvff,  at  that  time  reigning  Ba- 
shaw of  Tripoli. 

It  will  not,  I  trust,  be  deemed  a  digression — indeed, 
upon  second  thought,  it  is  no  digression  at  all,  to  make 
a  brief  allusion  to  the  blood-thirsty  demon  who  sat  up- 
on the  blood-stained  throne  of  Tripoli,  while  Decatur 
was  pouring  out  the  vindictive  wrath  of  an  injured  Re- 
public, upon  his  no  less  blood-thirsty  subjects. 

Jussuff,  was,  to  the  reigning  family  of  Tripoli,  what 
Richard  III.  once  was  to  the  reigning  family  of  England. 
He  was  a  remote  heir  to  the  throne  of  the  Bashaw, 
filled  by  his  father.  The  certain  progress  of  the  king 
of  terrors,  or  the  sanguinary  hand  of  some  other  assas- 
sin, might  have  placed  him  upon  the  throne,  according 
to  the  laws  of  succession,  (if  they  have  any  in  Tripoli,) 
without  ascending  it  with  his  hands  reeking  in  the  blood 
of  his  father  and  his  eldest  brother.  Both  of  these 
he  had  murdered  ;  and  his  next  oldest  brother,  Hamei 
Caramalliy  apprehending  the  same  fate,  sought  a  refuge 
from  unnatural  death,  by  fleeing  into  Egypt !  Having 
no  other  rival,  this  modern  Cain  mounted  the  throne 
of  his  father  and  his  brother  ;  and,  as  he  had  acquired 
it  by  violating  the  laws  of  God,  of  Nature^and  of  Man, 
he  endeavoured  to  support  himself  upon  it,  by  re  act- 
ing the  same  tragical  scenes  which  carried  him  to  it. 
The  "  compunctious  visitings"  of  conscience,  the  mon- 
itor in  the  human  breast,  excited  no  honors  in  his 
callous  and  reprobate  heart.  A  glea:a  of  horrid  tri- 
.  umph  seemed  to  shed  a  baleful  and  blasting  illumination 


94  LIFE  OF 

over  his  blackened  and  bloody  soul.  He  "  grinned 
horribly  a  ghastly  smile"  at  the  fate  of  his  innocent  and 
exiled  brother,  and  gnashed  his  teeth  at  the  gallant 
Bainbridge,  his  noble  crew  and  the  rest  of  American 
prisoners  then  in  his  dungeons.  It  was  in  vain  for  Mr. 
Lear,  then  American  Consul,  by  all  the  melting  and  im- 
passioned appeals  he  could  make  to  the  obdurate  heart 
of  this  devil  incarnate,  to  obtain  the  least  mitigation 
of  the  indescribably  wretched  bondage  to  which  his 
beloved  countrymen  were  reduced.  As  well  might  the 
lamb  bleat  for  mercy  in  the  paw  of  a  tiger,  or  the 
child  attempt  to  demolish  the  Bashaw's  castle  with  his 
wind-gun.  Mr.  Lear  was  compelled  to  be  an  agonized 
spectator  of  the  accumulated  and  accumulating  miserieg 
of  gallant  Americans,  who  had  left  the  regions  of  hap- 
piness— the  arms  of  fathers,  mothers,  brothers  and  sis- 
ters— of  wives  and  children,  to  redeem  by  their  cour- 
age, their  own  countrymen,  who  had  previously  been 
enslaved.  The  po-verful  arms  of  Bainbridge  and  his 
crew,  which,  at  liberty,  would  have  scattered  death 
amongst  a  host  of  Turks,  were  pinioned  and  lashed  to- 
gether, and  driv^-i  to  the  sbore  ;  and,  in  taunting  de- 
rision, commanded  to  ca^t  their  swimming  eyes  upon 
their  shipmate',  then  Wafting  in  the  bay  of  Tripoli  ; 
and  to  heave  forth  the  >i^hs  of  hearts,  niready  bursting, 
for  the  land  of  their  homes.  But  I  most  retract, — not 
a  tear  was  dropped  ;  not  a  siijfc  was  heaved  ;  for  re- 
venue had  closed  the  tlood-  gates  of  grief,  and  American 
hearts,  beating  in  bosoms  truly  Ametican,  panted  for 
nothing  but  vengeance  upon  their  demoniacal  oppres- 
sors. 

The  Bashaw,  who  might  well  be  compared  to  the 


STEPHEN  DECATtfR.  95 

toad  which  wished  to  swell  itself  to  the  size  of  the  ox, 
reposed  in  fancied  security.  He  casta  malignant  glance 
at  the  little  squadron  in  which  Decatur  was  one  of  the 
distinguished  leaders.  He  saw  in  the  bay  spreading 
before  his  city,  his  batteries,  and  his  castles,  a  noble 
American  frigate,  (the  Philadelphia,)  and  the  pride  of 
the  American  navy — upon  which  the  "  star-spangled 
banner"  once  triumphantly  waved,  now  added  to  his 
naval  force  ;  manned  by  a  double  crew  of  Tripolitans, 
and  with  the  Turkish  crescent  waving  on  its  mast.  He 
saw  its  once  gallant  crew,  miserable  slaves  in  his  own 
gloomy  dungeons  ;  and,  in  anticipation,  feasted  his  can- 
nibal appetite  upon  all  the  victims  which  the  American 
squadron  could  add  to  his  list  of  Christian  slaves. 

Decatur's  fearless  and  noble  soul  was  not  only  arous- 
ed to  the  highest  pitch  of  enthusiastic  courage,  but  it 
was  absolutely  inflamed  with  desperation  to  behold  his 
former  companions  in  the  navy  thus  degraded — thus 
humiliated — thus  subjugated.  But,  like  a  lion  growl- 
ing at  a  distance,  and  indicating  to  his  foe  their  future 
fate,  he  was  restrained,  by  a  superior  power,  from  rush- 
ing too  precipitately  upon  the  barbarous  enemy  he 
wished  instantly  to  encounter.  All  personal  consider- 
ations were  completely  merged  and  lost  in  the  agony  he 
felt  for  his  brother  officers  and  seamen  in  slavery.  He 
had  taken  his  life  in  his  hand,  and  seemed  anxious  to 
offer  it  up,  if  so  decreed  by  the  God  of  battles  for  the 
redemption  of  his  endeared  countrymen.  But  the  gal- 
lant, the  noble,  and  yet  cautious  Preble,  his  almost 
adored  commander,  knew  full  well  that  the  means  in 
his  hands  must^be  directed  with  the  utmost  caution 
to  accomplish  the  end  he  had  in  view.     With  no  less 


96  LIFE    OF 

ardour  than  Decatur,  he  had  a  far  greater  responsibili- 
ty as  commander  in  chief  of  the  little  American  squad- 
ron. He  could  not  endure  the  thought,  that  his  favor- 
ite officer,  should  fall  a  victim  to  his  desperate  courage  ; 
and  the  gallant  Lieutenant  was,  for  a  time,  restrained 
from  attempting  the  desperate  and  romantic  enter- 
prize. 

(  It  is  hardly  within  the  compass  of  the  human  imagi- 
nation to  conceive  of  a  combination  of  circumstances 
so  well  calculated  to  inspire  the  soul  of  an  ardent  and  chi- 
valrous hero,  like  Decatur,  as  the  situation  of  the  Phi- 
ladelphia frigate  and  her  gallant  crew,.;  She  was  built 
in  the  city  where  he  had  spent  the  days  of  his  boy- 
hood— where  he  obtained  the  rudiments  of  a  polite  ed- 
ucation, and  the  theoretical  principles  of  naval  tactics. 
In  addition  to  this,  his  beloved  and  gallant  father  was 
her  first  commander.  Further — his  companions  (her 
crew)  with  whom,  for  previous  years,  he  had  served 
in  our  infant  Navy,  were  held  in  "  durance  vile"  by  the 
vilest  of  wretches  who  bear  the  form  of  man.  These 
were  enough — but  let  not  the  cool  reasoners  upon  hu- 
man motives  and  human  passions  sneer  when  it  is  said, 
that  a  consideration  paramount  to  all  these  swayed  his 
noble  heart — his  Country  was  degraded.  That, 
indeed,"  was  enough  for  him  ;  for  his  whole  life  evinced 
that  his  country  was  first  in  his  heart — first  in  his  arm, 
and  firsj.  in  the  hour  of  appalling  danger.  To  that 
country  his  immortalized  father  had  dedicated  him — to 
that  country  he  had  voluntarily  devoted  himself.  Had 
he  not  been  educated  in  a  Christian  country,  it  would 
aeem  as  if  he  had  taken  his  system  from  the  doctrines 
taught  by  Lycurgus  to  the  ancient  Spartans. — "  Obedi- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  97 

etwe  to  the  laws — respect/or  parents — reverence  for  old 
age- — inflexible  honour — undaunted  courage — contempt 
of  danger  and  of  death  : — and,  above  all9  the  love  of 

GLORY  AN©  OF  COUNTRY."* 

ao  recapture  the  Philadelphia,  was  absolutely  im- 
practicable, as  the  writer  has  been  assured  by  some  of 
the  accomplished  officers  of  Commodore  Preble's 
squadron.  She  was  moored  under  the  guns  of  the 
Bashaw's  castle  and  his  extensive  and  powerful  batteries, 
and  was  herself  completely  prepared  to  join  them  in  re- 
pelling any  assailant  that  should  approach  her.  There 
were  these  alternatives — She  must  either  be  destroyed, 
constantly  blockaded,  or  suffered  to  escape  and  commit 
depredations  upon  the  commerce  and  outrage  upon  the 
citizens  of  the  country  who  built,  equipped  and  manned, 
her. 

Decatur,  with  the  most  impassioned  and  fervent  ap- 
peals to  the  Commodore,  entreated  him  to  permit  an 
attempt  to  destroy  her  as  she  lay  at  her  moorings.  It 
was  an  attempt  so  pregnant  with  danger,  and  approach- 
ing so  near  to  certain  destruction,  that  the  heroic, 
though  cautious  Preble  hesitated  .ngrantingthe  request. 
The  imminent  hazard  of  the  enterprise  was  pointed  out 
in  such  a  manner  as  was  calculated  to  allay  the  ardour 
of  the  most  romantic  heroism.  But  Decatur,  rising 
above  the  ordinary  calculations  of  chances — retiring 
into  his  own  bosom,  and  forming  his  judgment  from  his 
own  exalted  gallantry,  took  no  counsel  from  fear,  but 


*  Vide  Professor  Tytler's  Lecture!?,  on  the  Elements    of  Gen- 
eral  History.  Ancient  and  Modern. 


08  LIFE  OF 

volunteered  his  services  to  his  superior  ofiicerjto  com- 
mand the  desperate  expedition.     At  length 

"He  wrung  from  him  his  slow  leave," — 

and  immediately  commenced  his  preparations  for  the 
awful  undertaking.  The  ardour  of  the  Lieutenant  was 
increased  as  the  danger  of  the  attempt  was  magnified. 
At  this  early  period  of  his  lite,  he  seemed  to  have  revi- 
ved the  spirit  which  pervaded  the  hearts  of  men  in  the 
"Age  of  Chivalry  ;"  and  to  have  adopted  the  ancient 
axiom  "the  greater  the  danger  the  greater  the  glory." 
But  let  it  be  remembered  that  Decatur  sought  for  glory, 
only  by  the  discharge  of  duty. 

Uniting  the  most  consummate  sagacity,  with  the  most 
daring  courage,  he  selected  the  little  Ketch  Intrepid, 
which  as  previously  mentioned  he  had  himself  captured, 
in  full  view  of  the  bay  where  the  Philadelphia  was  moor- 
ed. h)e  was  aware  that  if  the  expedition  should  prove 
successful,  it  would  render  the  mortification  of  the  in- 
solent Bashaw  doubly  severe,  to  see  a  little  vessel 
which  lately  -belonged  to  his  own  marine  force,  boldly 
advance  under  the  guns  01  his  battery  and  castle  and 
destroy  the  largest  ship  that  belonged  to  his  navy. 
A  ship  too  which  he  neither  built  nor  honourably  cap- 
tured, but  which  became  his  by  the  irresistable  laws  of 
the  elements. 

No  sooner  was  it  known  that  this  expedition  was  to 
be  undertaken,  than  the  crew  of  Lieut.  Decatur  volun- 
teered their  services — ever  ready  to  follow  their  be- 
loved commander  to  victory  or  to  death.  Other  sea- 
men followed  their  example.  Nor  was  this  the  most 
conclusive  evidence  of  the  unbounded  confidence  plac- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  99 

ed  in  his  skill  and  courage.  Lieut.  Charles  Stewart, 
aUo  volunteered  under  Decatur ;  and  for  the  expedi- 
tion took  the  Brig  Syren,  and  a  few  boats;  and,  to 
show  still  farther  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was 
holden — Lieut.  James  Lawrence,  and  Charles  Mor- 
ris, and  Thomas  Macdonovgh  (then  midshipmen)  en- 
tered on  board  the  Intrepid  with  Decatur.  What  a 
constellation  of  rising  ocean  heroes  were  here  associa- 
ted !  They  were  then  all  young  officers,  almost  un- 
known to  fame.  Now  their  names  are  all  identified 
with  the  naval  glory  of  the  American  Republic. 


100  LIFE  OF 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Improper  estimate  of  battles— Lieutenant  Decatur  sails  for  Tri- 
poli in  the  Ketch  Intrepid — Baffled  by  adverse  winds — diminu- 
tion of  provisions — Reaches  the  harbour  of  Tripoli  16th  Feb. 
1804 — Loses  the  assistance  of  the  Syren  and  the  boats — Enters 
the  harbour  with  the  Ketch  Intrepid — Boards  the  Philadelphia, 
followed  by  Morris,  Lawrence,  Macdonough  and  the  crew — 
Compels  the  Turks  to  surrender — Sets  the  Philadelphia  frigate 
on  fire,  and  secures  his  retreat — Gen.  Eaton  and  Caramalli — 
Consternation  of  Bashaw — Joy  of  American  prisoners — Small 
force  of  Commodore  Preble. 

The  readers  of  history  are  extremely  prone  to  at- 
tach importance  to  battles  upon  land  or  upon  sea  in 
proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged  in  them,  and  to 
bestow  a  greater  or  less  degree  of  applause  upon  the 
victors  on  the  same  principle.  Nothing  can  be  more 
fallacious.  The  battle  of  New  Orleans,  in  America, 
in  point  of  courage  and  generalship,  equalled  that  of 
Waterloo  in  Europe  ;  and  the  event  we  are  about  to 
record,  is  not  surpassed,  if  indeed  it  was  equalled,  by 
the  victory  at  Copenhagen.  We  do  not  here  speak  of 
the  co7isequenccs  which  followed  to  the  different  coun- 
tries^ but  of  the  heroes  who  achieved  the  victories  ; 
and  it  is  fearlessly  asserted  that  when  every  circum- 
stance is  taken  into  consideration,  that  the  fame  of 
Jackson  in  the  one  will  vie  with  that  of  Wellington, — 
and  Decatur's  in  the  other  with  that  of  Nelson. 

As  soon  as  the  crews  of  the  Ketch  Intrepid  and  the 
brig  Syren    were  made   up,  the  utmost   dispatch  was 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  101 

ttsed  in  preparing  them  for  the  expedition.  The 
Ketch  was  fitted  out  as  a  fire  ship,  in  case  it  should  be 
necessary  to  use  her  as  such.  The  Brig  with  the  boats 
accompanying  her,  were  to  aid,  as  circumstances  ren- 
dered it  necessary,  and  to  receive  the  crew  of  the 
Ketch  if  she  was  driven  to  the  necessity  of  being  blown 
up. 

Upon  the  3d  day  of  February,  Decatur  weighed  an- 
chor in  the  little  Intrepid,  accompanied  by  Lieut.  Stew- 
art, in  the  Syren,  who  was  also  accompanied  by  the 
boats  A  favourable  wind  would  have  wafted  them  to 
their  destined  port  in  less  than  five  days  ;  but  for  fif- 
teen days,  they  encountered  the  most  boisterous  and 
tempestuous  weather.  Instead  of  encountering  a  bar- 
barous enemy,  they  were  buffeting  the  waves  and 
struggling  for  life  with  a  tumultuous  and  agitated  sea. 
Nothing  could  be  better  calculated  to  repress  the  ar- 
dour of  Decatur  and  his  little  band.  His  provisions 
were  diminished  and  almost  expended  ;  and  although 
not  a  murmur  escaped  from  the  lips  of  the  humblest 
seaman,  it  may  well  be  imagined  what  must  be  their 
reflections,  when  liable  every  hour  to  be  swallowed 
up  by  the  waves  ;  and  if  they  escaped  them  to  be  fam- 
ished with  hunger  !  Men  of  the  stoutest  hearts  who 
would  undauntedly  rush  to  the  cannon's  mouth,  be- 
came even  children  at  the  prospect  of  famine. 
<At  length,  upon  the  memorable  16th  of  February, 
1804,  a  little  before  sun-set,  Decatur  hove  in  sight  of 
the  bay  of  Tripoli,  and  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia,  with 
the  Turkish  Crescent  proudly  waving  at  her  head. 
The  apprehensions  arising  from  storms  and  famiee 
were  suddenly  banished  by  the  prospect  of  a  glorious 

9* 


102  LIFE  OF 

victory  or  a  glorious  death.  Lord  Nelson,  when  en- 
tering into  the  action  of  Cape  St.  Vincent,  exclaimed, 
"  Glorious  Victory — or  Westminster  Abbey."* 
Decatur  might  have  exclaimed — "  The  Philadelphia 
Frigate — or  a  Monument  in  Philadelphia  City." 
It  had  previously  been  arranged  between  Decatur 
and  Lieut.  Stewart  that  the  Intrepid  accompanied  by 
the  boats  which  had  been  attached  to  the  Syren,  should 
enter  the  harbour  at  10  o'clock — with  the  utmost  possi- 
ble silence  bear  down  upon  the  Philadelphia,  and  take 
her  by  boarding.  But  fts  if  fate  had  entered  its  veto 
against  the  success  of  the  expedition,  the  Syren,  with 
all  the  boats,  by  a  change  of  wind,  were  driven  from 
five  to  ten  miles  from  the  Intrepid,  leaving  Decatur, 
with  only  seventy  volunteers  in  this  small  Ketch. 
The  moment  of  decision  had  come.  His  provisions 
were  nearly  expended,  and  the  expedition  must  have 
been  relinquished  for  that  season  unless  the  object  of 
It  was  now  accomplished.  He  knew  that  his  gallant  lit- 
tle crew  were  as  true  to  him  as  the  needle,  by  which  he 
directed  his  ketch  to  Tripoli,  was  to  the  pole.  Wher- 
ever he  would  lead,  he  knew  they  would  follow.  Hav- 
ing a  Maltese  pilot  on  board  the  Ketch,  he  ordered  him 

*  To  the  common  reader,  the  exclamation  of  Nelson  may  not 
be  altogether  intelligible.  It  has,  for  some  centuries  been  custo- 
mary in  England  to  entomb  the  bodies  of  Heroes,  Statesmen, 
Poets,  &c.  in  "  Westminster  Abbey"  as  one  of  the  highest  honours 
that  can  be  bestowed  upon  the  "  illustrious  dead,"  and  to  erect 
jt  monument  or  statue  near  them.  The  great  Doct.  Johnson,  in 
the  agonies  of  death,  was  consoled,  when  told  that  his  body 
would  be  there  deposited.  The  reader  will  find  an  elegant  des- 
cription of  this  ancient  Cemetery  in  Professor  Siliman's  Jour- 
nal. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  103 

to  answer  the  hail  from  the  frigate  in  the  Tripolitan 
tongue  ;  and,  if  they  were  ordered  to  come  to  an  an- 
chor, to  answer  that  they  had  lost  their  anchors  upon 
the  coast  in  a  gale  of  wind,  and  that  a  compliance  with 
the  order  was  impossible.  He  addressed  his  gallant 
officers  and  men  in  the  most  animated  and  impassioned 
style — pointed  out  to  them  the  glory  of  the  achieve- 
ment, which  would  redound  to  themselves,  and  the  last- 
ing benefit  it  would  secure  to  their  country — that  it 
would  hasten  the  redemption  of  their  brother  seamen 
from  horrible  bondage,  and  give  to  the  name  of  Ameri- 
cans an  exalted  rank  even  amongst  Mahometans.  Eve- 
ry heart  on  board  swelled  with  enthusiasm,  and  re- 
sponded to  the  patriotic  sentiments  of  their  beloved 
commander,  by  wishing  to  be  led  immediately  into  the 
contest.  Every  man  was  completely  armed — not  only 
with  the  most  deadly  weapons,  but  with  the  most  daunt- 
less courage._y 

The  reader  may  form  some  faint  conceptions  of  the 
tremendous  hazard  of  this  engagement,  by  learning  that 
the  Philadelphia  was  moored  near  the  Bashaw's  exten- 
sive and  powerful  batteries,  and  equally  near  to  what 
he  deemed  his  impregnable  castle.  One  of  her  full 
broadsides  of  twenty  six  guns  pointed  directly  into  the 
harbour,  and  were  all  mounted  and  loaded  with  double 
headed  shot.  Two  of  the  Tripolitan's  largest  corsairs 
were  anchored  within  two  cable's  length  of  her  star- 
board quarter,  while  a  great  number  of  heavy  gun- 
boats were  stationed  about  the  same  distance  from  her 
starboard  bow.  As  the  Bashaw  had  reasons  daily  to 
expect  an  attack  from  Com.  Preble's  squadron,  the 
Tripolitan   commander   of  the   Philadelphia  had  aug- 


104  LIFE  OF 

merited  her  crew  to  nearly  a  thousand  Turks.  In  ad- 
dition to  al!  these  formidable, — yea,  appalling  conside- 
rations, Decatur  and  his  noble  crew  knew  full  well 
that  after  having  entered  into  this  dreadfully  unequal 
comhat  there  was  no  escape.  It  was  a  "forlorn  hope" — 
it  was  victory,  slavery,  or  death — death  perhaps  by  the 
hands  of  the  Turks — perhaps  by  the  explosion  of  the 
Intrepid. 

As  soon  as  darkness  had  concealed  the  Ketch  from 
the  view  of  the  Tripolitans,  Decatur  hore  slowly  into 
the  harbour,  and  approached  the  numerous  magazines 
of  death  ivhich  wptq  prepared  to  repel  or  destroy  any 
assailant  that  should  approach.  The  light  breeze  he 
had  when  he  entered  the  harbour,  died  away,  and  a 
dead  calm  succeeded.  At  1 1  o'clock,  he  had  approach- 
ed within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  Philadelphia.  An 
unbroken  silence  for  the  three  preceding  hours  had 
prevailed  ;  reminding  the  poetical  reader  of  the  ex- 
pressive couplet — 

"  A  fearful  silence  now  invades  the  ear, 
And  in  that  silence  all  a  tempest  fear.1' 

At  this  portentous  moment,  the  hoarse  and  dissonant 
voice  of  a  Turk  hailed  the  Intrepid,  and  ordered  her  to 
come  to  anchor.  The  faithful  Maltese  pilot  answered 
as  previously  .directed,  and  the  sentinel  supposed  "  all 
•was  well."  The  Ketch  gradually  approached  the  fri- 
gate ;  and  when  within  about  fifty  yards  of  her,  Deca- 
tur ordered  the  Intrepid's  small  boat  to  take  a  rope 
and  make  it  fast  to  the  fore  chains  of  the  frigate,  and  the 
men  to  return  immediately  on  board  the  Ketch.  This 
*lone,  some  of  the  crew  with  the  rope,  began  to  warp 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  105 

the  Ketch  along-side  the  Philadelphia. )  The  imperious  , 
Turks  at  this  time  began  to  imagine  that  "  all  was  not 
well."  The  Ketch  was  suddenly  brought  into  contact 
with  the  frigate — Decatur,  full  armed,  darted  like  light- 
ning upon  her  deck,  and  was  immediately  followed  by 
Midshipman  Morris.  For  a  full  minute  they  were  the 
only  Americans  on  board,  contending  with  hundreds  of 
Turks.  Lieut.  Lawrence  and  Midshipman  Macdon- 
ough,  as  soon  as  possible,  followed  their  commander, 
and  were  themselves  followed  by  the  whole  of  the  little 
crew  of  the  Intrepid.J  A  scene  followed  which  beggars 
description.  The  consternation  of  the  Turks,  increas- 
ed the  wild  confusion  which  the  unexpected  assault 
occasioned.  They  rushed  upon  deck  from  every  oth- 
er part  of  the  frigate,  and  instead  of  aiding,  obstructed 
each  other  in  defending  her.  :  Decatur  and  his  crew 
formed  a  front  equal  to  that  of  the  Turk?,  and  then  im- 
petuously rushed  upon  them.  It  was  the  business  ofthe 
Americans  to  slay,  and  of  (foe  Turks  to  die.  It  was 
impossible  to  ascertain  the  number  slain  ;  but  it  was 
estimated  from  twenty  to  thirty.  As  soon  as  any  Turk 
was  wounded,  he  immediately  jumped  overboard,  choos- 
ing a  voluntary  death,  rather  than  the  disgrace  of  loos- 
ing blood  by  the  hand  of  a  "  Christian  dog,"  as  the 
Mahometans  universally  call  all  Christians.  Those 
who  were  not  slain,  or  who  had  leaped  overboard,  ex- 
cepting one,  escaped  in  a  boat  to  the  shore. 
^Decatur  now  found  himself  in  complete  possession 
of  the  Philadelphia;  and  commanded  upon  the  same 
deck  where  his  gallant  father  had  commanded  before 
him.  But  in  life,  he  was  in  the  midst  of  death.  He 
could  not  move  the  frigate,  for  there  was  no  wind — he 


106  LIFE    OF 

could  not  tow  her  out  of  the  harbour,  for  he  had  not 
sufficient  strength.  The  Bashaw's  troops  commenced 
a  tremendous  fire  from  their  batteries  and  the  castle 
upon  the  frigate.  The  gun- boats  were  arranged  in 
the  harbour  ;  and  the  two  corsairs  near  her  were 
pouring  their  fire  into  her  starboard  quarter.  .  Deca- 
tur and  his  gallant  companions  remained  in  the  frigate, 
cool  and  collected,  fully  covinced  that  that  was  the  only 
place  where  they  could  defend  themselves.  Finding 
it  totally  impossible  to  withstand,  for  any  length  of  time, 
such  a  tremendous  cannonade  as  was  now  bearing  upon 
him,  he  resolved  to  set  the  frigate  on  fire  in  every  one 
of  her  most  combustible  parts,  and  run  the  hazard  of 
escaping,  with  his  officers  and  seamen,  in  the  little  In- 
trepid, which  still  lay  along  side  of  her.  It  was  a  mo- 
ment, pregnant  with  the  most  awful,  or  the  most  happy 
consequences  to  these  gallant  heroes.  After  the  con- 
flagration commenced,  Decatur  and  his  associates  en- 
tered the  Ketch  as  it  increased,  and  for  some  time  were 
in  imminent  dagger  of  being  blown  up  with  her.  As 
if  heaven  smiled  upon  the  conclusion  of  this  enter- 
prise, as  it  seemed  to  frown  upon  its  beginning,  a  fa- 
vourable breeze  at  this  moment  arose,  which  blew  the 
Intrepid  directly  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enemy's  can- 
non, aiad  enabled  Decatur,  his  officers  and  seamen,  to 
behold,  at  a  secure  distance,  the  furious  flames  and 
rolling  columns  of  smoke,  which  issued  from  the  Phi- 
ladelphia. As  the  flames  heated  the  loaded  cannon  in 
the  frigate,  they  were  discharged,  one  after  the  other 
—those  pointing  into  the  harbour  without  any*  injury, 
and  those  pointing  into  the  city  of  Tripoli,  to  the  great 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  107 

damage  and  consternation   of  the  barbarous  wretches 
who  had  loaded  them  to  destroy  our  countrymen. 

It  is  wholly  impo^ible  for  those  unaccustomed  to 
scenes  like  this,  to  for  n  a  conception  of  the  feelings  of 
Decatur  and  his  comrades  upon  this  occasion.  Their 
safe  retreat  was  next  to  a  resurrection  from  the  dead. 
Not  an  American  was  slain  in  the  desperate  rencontre, 
and  but  four  were  wounded.  Commodore  Preble 
might  well  exclaim  to  Lient.  Decatur  upon  joining  his 
squadron,  as  an  ancient  Baron  to  his  favourite  Knight — 

"Welcome  to  my  arras  ;  thou  art  twice  a  conqueror, 
"  For  thou  bringest  home  full  numbers." 

Equally  impossible  is  it  to  imagine  the  feelings  of  Capt. 
Bainbridge  and  his  companions  in  bondage  upon  this  al- 
most miraculous  event.  They  heard  the  roar  of  can- 
non in  their  gloomy  dungeon,  and  saw  the  gleaming 
light  of  the  flames;  but  knew  not  the  cause.  Upon 
learning  the  cheering  tidings,  joy  converted  their 
chains  and  cords  to  silked  threads.  It  was  a  presage 
of  their  deliverance,  and  foretold  to  them  a  glorious 
ubilee. 
The  highest  reward  a  gallant  and  a«piring  officer  can 
recoive  is  Promotion  ;  and  to  promote,  is  the  most  dif- 
ficult duty  of  our  government.  If  by  a  successful  en- 
terprise like  that  just  described,  a  junior  officer  attracts 
the  attention  of  his  government,  and  excites  the  admi- 
ration of  his  countrymen,  the  first  naturally  expects 
promotion,  and  the  last,  so  far  as  they  can,  seem  to  de- 
mand it.  Senior  officers,  not  having  had  an  opportunity 
to  signalize  themselves,  feel  the  very  excess  of  morti- 
fication at  seeing  a  junior  carried  over  their  heads  for 


108  LIFE    OF 

arty  reason  whatever.  It  was  this  that  all  but  drove 
the  gallant  and  lamented  Lawrence  to  a  resignation. 
It  would  be  a  digression  to  detail  the  particulars  ;  they 
are  familiar  with  every  critical  reader  of  our  naval 
history.  At  the  time  of  Decatur's  first,  and  in  the  es- 
timation of  some,  his  greatest  achievement,  there  was 
no  intermediate  grade  between  a  first  Lieutenant  and 
that  of  Post-Captain,  to  which  he  was  promoted  for  the 
destruction  of  the  Philadelphia.  The  most  convincing 
evidence  I  can  furnish  of  ihe  very  high  estimation  in 
which  Decatur,  thus  early  in  life,  was  holden  by  his 
brother  offi-cers,  who  were  his  seniors,  is,  that  they  vo- 
luntarily consented,  that  he  should  be  promoted  over 
them  ;  thus  furnishing  "  confirmation,  strong  as  proof 
of  holy  writ,"  of  the  consummate  skill  and  gallantry  of 
Decatur,  and  of  the  exalted  magnanimity  of  hie  brother 
officers. 

Capt.  Decatur,  remained  with  the  squadron  of  Com. 
Preble  at  their  rendezvous  until  the  spring  of  1804, 
enjoying  with  his  admiring  comrades  the  high  reputa- 
tion he  had  acquired.  Far,  however,  from  being  sat- 
isfied with  one  glorious  achievement,  he  only  consid- 
ered it  as  the  beginning  of  a  life  of  glory. 

The  unvarying  modesty  of  all  our  naval  champions, 
has  become  proverbial.  It  is  not  that  affected  modes- 
ty which  made  Caesar  for  a  time  deciine  a  crown,  and 
then  accept  of  it  ;  but  that  real  dignified  modesty  which 
is  a  concomitant  with  real  and  exalted  worth.  So  far 
from  gasconading  boasting,  they  seldom  speak  of  them- 
selves or  their  achievements  ;  and  instead  of  monopo- 
lizing the  applause  which  the  world  is  anxious  to  bes- 
tow upon  them,  they  rather  seem  colicitous  that  their 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  10(J 

comrades  should  fully  participate  with  them  in  the  fame 
they  have  acquired.  A  literary  correspondent  of  the 
writer  when  requested  to  furnish  some  memoranda  of 
one  of  our  most  distinguished  Post-Captains,  thus  ex- 
presses himself: — "  With  respect  to  anecdotes  drawn 
from  private  communications ,  as  far  as  my  own  observa- 
tion has  extended,  Capt.  *■*■*■**■*•*■*•**•*•  is  a  man  of  such 
singular  modesty,  that  in  the  course  of  an  unreserved  ac- 
quaintance with  him  for  some  years,  I  do  not  remember 
ever  having  heard  him  speak,  in  detail,  of  any  incidents 
connected  with  such  of  his  own  actions  as  reflect  lustre 
on  himself  or  are  highly  interesting  to  the  public  "  A 
more  perfect  picture  of  Capt.  Decatur  could  not  be 
drawn.  He  always  seemed  to  have  forgotten  what  he 
had  accomplished,  and  only  looked  forward  to  the  tem- 
ple of  Fame,  through  the  long  and  brilliant  vista  of 
deeds  of  immortal  renown. 

Com.  Preble,  fully  sensible  of  the  deficiency  of  his 
squadron  in  vessels  of  a  smaller  class,  negoeiated  with 
the  king  of  Naples  for  the  loan  of  two  bombards,  and 
six  gun  boats.  Nelson,  when  commanding  immense 
squadrons  of  ships  of  the  line  declared  that  "  Frigates 
were  the  eyes  of  a  fleet;"  and  gun-boats  were  to  Preble, 
what  frigates  were  to  him.  This  great  man,  and  vete- 
ran officer,  had  the  scantiest  means  to  accomplish  a  most 
important  end.  But  as  the  gallant  Henry  V.  with  his 
little  army  before  Agincourt  "  wished  not  for  another 
man  from  England,"  go  Preble  wished  not  for  another 
keel,  another  gun,  or  another  man  from  America.  His 
noble  soul  converted  his  little  squadron  into  a  powerful 
fleet,  and,  surrounded  by  such  officers  as  Decatur,  So- 
mers,  Stewart,  Lawrence,  Morris,  Macdonough,Trippe, 

10 


1  10  '     LIFE  OF 

and  others,    then  less  known,  and  perhaps  equally  gal- 
lant, his  comrades  were  magnified  into  a  mighty  host. 

While  Com.  Prehle  was  thus  preparing  to  negociate 
wi*'i  the  tyrannous  and  murderous  Jussuff  at  the  mouth 
of  his  cannon,  and  to  send  his  ultimatum,  in  powder  and 
ball,  Mr.  William  E;Uon,  who  had  previously  been  a 
consul  from  America  up  the  Mediterranean,  conceived 
the  daring  and  romantic  project  of  restoring  Hamet  Car- 
amalli  to  the  throne  of  Tripoli  which  had  been  usurped 
by  the  reigning  Bashaw.  Hamet  had  relinquished  all 
hopes  of  regaining  a  throne  which  had  always  been  ac- 
quired bv  blood  and  assassination.  Like  a  philosopher, 
he  had  retired  to  Egypt,  where  the  Beys  of  thi.t  an- 
cient kingdom  extended  to  him  their  protection  and 
their  hospitality.  To  use  his  own  language  as  transla- 
ted into  ours  he — "  reposed  in  the  security  of  peace — 
had  almost  ceased  to  repine  for  the  loss  of  his  throne,  and 
regretted  only  the  lot  of  his  unhappy  people,  doomed,  to 
the  yoke  of  his  cruel  and  tyrannical  brother."  Novel 
language  this,  to  be  sure,  in  the  mouth  of  an  Ishmaeli- 
tish  Mahometan  !  How  much  his  "  unhappy  people'' 
would  have  been  benefitted  by  his  reign,  cannot 
now  be  determined  ;  as  be  is  not  amongst  the  <k  legiti- 
mate sovereigns"  who  have  in  later  times  waded 
through  the  blood  of  their  own  subjects  to  thrones  from 
which  they  were  driven  by  the  public  voice  ; — thrones 
which  tremble  beneath  them,  and  which  they  maintain 
only  by  the  strong  arm  of  power. 

Some  few  Americans  from  the  American  squadron, 
joined  Eaton,  and,  many  natives  of  various  tribes,  lan- 
guages and  colours  flocked  to  his  standard.  A  motley 
sort  of  an  army  was  thus  formed,   and  Eaton   placed 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  11 1 

himself  at  their  head  as  a  General.  He  repaired  to 
Alexandria,  and  found  the  feeble  Caramalli,  as  just 
mentioned  "  reposing  in  security  and  peace."  Fortu- 
nate indeed  had  it  been  for  him,  if  he  had  remained  in 
safety  by  continuing  in  obscurity.  Few  instances  ace 
left  us  upon  record  of  princes  who  have  been  exiled 
from  their  thrones  and  kingdoms,  who  have  enjoyed 
either  of  them  upon  their  restoration.  The  houses  of 
Stuart,  Bourbon  and  Braganzi  furnish  the  commentary. 
The  expiring  hopes  of  Caramalli,  were  brightened  up 
by  the  ardent  and  romantic  Eaton  as  a  sudden  gust  eli- 
cits a  spark  from  the  faint  glimmering  light  in  the  socket. 
He  cast  alonging  eye  toward  the  dangerous  throne  of  Tri- 
poli, more  than  half  a  thousand  miles  distant,  between 
which  and  himself  stretched  an  immense  desert,  sec- 
ond only  in  barrenness  and  desolation  to  that  of  Zahara. 
But  nothing  could  repress  the  ardour  of  Eaton.  The 
idea  of  an  American,  taking  from  the  land  where  Pha- 
raoh once  held  the  children  of  Israel  in  captivity,  an 
exiled  prince,  and  placing  him  upon  the  throne  of  a 
distant  kingdom,  had  something  in  it  so  outrageously 
captivating,  that  the  enthusiastic  mind  of  the  chivalrous 
Eaton  was  lo~st  to  every  other  consideration. 

The  grateful  Caramalli,  if  an  Ishmaelite  can  be 
grateful,  took  leave  of  his  Egyptian  friends,  and  placed 
himself  under  the  banner  of  Eaton,  lie  entered  into  a 
convention  with  the  General,  by  which  he  promised  im- 
mense favours  to  the  Americans,  and  to,  make  the  en- 
gagements reciprocal,  the  General  promised  to  restore 
him  to  his  throne.  This  diplomatic  arrangement  was 
doubtless  mutually  satisfactory  to  the  parties,  although 


1  12  LIFE    OF 

the  American  and  Tripolitan  governments  had  no  hand 
in  this  negotiation. 

Caramalli,  his  General,  and  a  great  assemblage  of  in- 
congruous materials,  called  an  army,  moved  across  the 
deserts  ;  aud  endured  every  thing  which  they  might 
have  anticipated  from  the  nature  of  the  country.  After 
passing  about  six  hundred  miles  they  reached  the  city 
of  Derne,  which  they  triumphantly  entered,  and  at 
least  found  some  repose  and  a  supply  for  their  immedi- 
ate wants. 

The  reigning  Bashaw,  in  the  mean  time,  had  augmen- 
ted his  garrisons  to  three  thousand  Turkish  troops,  and 
an  army  of  more  than  twenty  thousand  Arabs  were  en- 
camped in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  strong  city  of  Tri- 
poli. However  contemptuously  he  might  smile  at  the 
force  which  surrounded  his  approaching  brother,  by 
land,  and  however  little  he  cared  for  the  loss  of  the 
little  city  of  Derne,  a  "  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment" 
harrowed  his  guilty  soul,  when  he  beheld  the  whole  of 
Com.  Preble's  squadron,  upon  the  first  week  of  August, 
approaching  the  harbour  of  Tripoli. 

He  had  seen  the  gallant  Capt.  Decatur,  in  his  bay, 
capture  one  of  his  corsairs. — He  had  seen  the  same 
warriour,  with  the  same  corsair,  destroy  his  heaviest 
ship  of  war,  under  the  very  guns  of  his  batteries  and 
castle,  surrounded  also  by  his  marine  force.  The  name 
of  Decatur  sounded  in  his  ear,  like  the  knell  of  his 
parting  glory  ;  and  when  he  saw  the  broad  pendant  of 
Pr&ble,  waving  upon  that  wonder-working  ship  the  Con- 
stitution, and  surrounded  by  Brigs,  Bombards,  and 
Gun- boats,  he  almost  despaired.  He  had  the  crew  of 
the  Philadelphia,  and  many  other  Americans,  in  wretch- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  113 

ed  bondage.  Determining  to  extort  an  enormous  ran- 
som for  the  prisoners,  from  the  American  government, 
to  enable  him  to  support  the  vain  and  gorgeous  pageant- 
ry of  royalty,  he  demanded  the  sum  of  six  hundred 
thousand  dollars  for  their  emancipation,  and  an  annual 
tribute,  as  the  price  of  peace.  This,  Mr.  Lear  indig- 
nantly rejected.  He  left  it  with  such  negociators  as 
Preble,  Decatur,  &c.  to  make  the  interchange  of  poll- 
ers, and  to  agree  upon  the  preliminaries  of  a  treaty. 

After  having  stated  that  the  whole  of  Com.  Preble's 
squadron  laid  before  Tripoli,  the  reader  may  have  been 
led  to  suppose  that  it  was  a  very  formidable  force. 
But  to  prepare  the  mind  to  follow  him  and  his  comrades 
into  the  harbour, and  to  pursue  him  to  the  very  mouths 
of  the  Bashaw's  cannon  upon  his  batteries,  in  his  castle, 
and  on  board  his  corsairs,  gun- boats,  and  other  marine 
force,  mounting  little  less  than  three  hundred  cannon — 
Let  it  be  remembered  that  few  whole  squadron,  inclu- 
ding the  Neapolitan  bombards  and  gun  boats,  mounted 
less  guns  than  one  completely  armed  Se vent) -Four, 
and  one  Frigate.  His  squadron  consisted  ot  one  frigate, 
three  brigs,  (one  of  which  bi.d  been  captured  from  the 
enemy,)  three  schooners,  two  bombards,  and  six  gun- 
boats. His  men  amounted  to  a  very  little  over  one 
thousand,  a  considerable  number  of  whom  were  Nea- 
politans upon  whom  he  could  place  but  little  reliance 
in  a  close  engagement  with  Turks.  But  he  felt  like  a 
warriour — and  knew  that  Americans  were  such, 


u 


■ ; — * — From  hearts  so  firm, 

Whom  dangers  fortify,  and  toils  inspire, 
What  has  a  leader  not  to  hope  V? 


IC 


# 


114 


LIFE    OF 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Lieutenant  Decatur  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Captain — Prepa- 
rations for  a  general  attack  upon  Tripoli— Capt.  Decatur  takes 
command  of  a  division  of  Gun-boats — Disparity  of  force  be- 
tween his  and  the  enemy's — He  grapples  and  captures  a  Tri- 
politan  boat — Is  bearing  for  the  squadron  with  his  prize — Hears 
of  the  treacherous  murder  of  hi3  brother,  Lieut.  James  Decatur 
— Returns  to  the  engagement,  and  followed  by  Midshipman 
Macdonough  and  nine  seamen,  boards  the  enemy's  boat — 
Slays  the  Turk  who  slew  his  brother,and  bears  his  second  prize 
to  the  squadron — Other  achievements  of  the  Squadron,  Bom- 
bards, and  Gun-boats— Effects  of  the  attack  upon  the  Ba- 
shaw, and  Tripolitans.  I 

Capt.  Decatur,  at  this  time,  (August  1804)  was  pla- 
ced in  the  first  grade  of  officers  in  the  American  Navy  ; 
and,    to  remind   him  of  the  gallant   achievement   for 
which  he  was   there  placed,  his  commission  bore  date 
the  memorable  16th  day  of  February,   1804.     He  also 
received  a  vote  of  thanks,  expressed  in  the  most  ap- 
plauding terms,  and  also  an  elegant  sword,  for  the  de- 
struction   of  the    Philadelphia    frigate.     These    high 
honours  were  amongst  the  first  of  this  nature  "bestowed 
upon  the  officers  of  the  Navy.     They  were  more  grat- 
ifying to  such  a  mind  as  Decatur's,  than  it  would  have 
been  to  have  captured  a  fleet  of  merchantmen,  and  to 
have  shared  largely  in  the  prizes.     Far  from  being  ela- 
ted  with  these  unequivocal  tokens  cf  the   approbation 
of  his  government  and  commander,  he  sought  only  te 
$hew  the  world,  by  his  future  conduct,  that  he  deserv- 
ed them. 
There  being  but  one  frigate  in  the  squadron,  ar,^ 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  115 

that  commanded  by  Commodore  Preble,  there  was  yet 
no  national  ship  in  the  Mediterranean,  of  a  rate  that 
corresponded  with  Captain  Decatur's  grade.  But  lit- 
tle did  he  care  in  what  sort  of  vessel  he  served  his 
country,  so  be  it  he  could  efficiently  aid  in  compelling 
the  imperious  JussufF  to  bow  to  American  prowess  ; 
and,  after  being  humiliated,  to  release  from  bondage 
the  noble  and  gallant  Bainbridge — his  gallant  officers 
and  seamen — and  all  the  Americans  holden  in  Mahom- 
etan slavery. 

Commodore  Preble  had  made  the  best  possible  prep- 
arations he  could,  with  his  limited  means,  to  effect  his 
ultimate  object.  The  two  preceding  squadrons  sent 
from  America  to  the  Mediterranean  under  Commo- 
dores Dale  and  Morris  had  gone  but  little  beyond  mere 
blockading  ships — for  this  was  all  they  could  do.  The 
American  government,  in  the  season  of  1804  used  eve- 
ry exertion  to  prepare  a  respectable  augmentation  to 
Commodore  Preble's  squadron,  and  in  the  mean  time 
he  was  preparing  to  make  "demonstrations''  upon 
Tripoli  rather  more  impressive  than  those  made  by  ten 
times  his  force  upon  f^rt  Mc"1  Henry,  fort  Bowyer,  and 
fort  St.  Phillip  by  immense  British  squadrons,  in  (he 
war  of  18  12  in  America. 

After  having  been  baffled  for  a  long  time  by  adverse 
winds,  he  reached  the  harbour  of  Tripoli  in  the  last 
week  of  July.  The  Bashaw  affected  to  disguise  the 
real  apprehensions  he  felt  by  exclaiming  to  his  cour- 
tiers— "  They  will  mark  their  distance  for  tacking — they 
are  a  sort  of  Jews  who  have  no  notion  of  fighting."  He 
had  not  yet  sufficiently  studied  the  American  character  ; 
and  needed  a  few  more  lessons  from  Decatur  to  enable 


116  LIFE    OP 

him  thoroughly  to  comprehend  it.  He  was  soon  to 
learn  that  Americans  upon  the  ocean  were  not  like  the 
children  of  Israel,  or  the  descendants  of  Ishmael. 

Captain  Decatur  was  selected  by  Commodore  Preble 
to  command  one  division  of  the  Gun-boats,  and  Lieut. 
Somers  the  other.  The  duty  imposed  upon  them  was 
of  a  nature  the  moot  hazardous  ;  as  from  the  little  wa- 
ter they  drew,  they  could  come  almost  into  contact 
with  the  Bashaw's  batteries  and  castle,  where  the  nu- 
merous gun-boats  of  the  Tripolitans  were  stationed. 
As  this  was  one  of  the  most  desperate  engagements 
amongst  the  numerous  ones  in  which  Capt.  Decatur 
was  ever  called  to  display  his  personal  prowess  as  well 
as  his  nautical  skill  and  desperate  courage,  the  reader 
will  indulge  the  writer  in  detailing  it  particularly,  as 
related  to  him  by  one  of  the  officers  on  board  the  Con- 
stitution, lying  in  full  view  of  the  bloody  scene. 

The  bombards,  each  carrying  a  mortar  of  thirteen 
inches,  were  commanded,  one  by  Lieut.  Commandant 
Dent,  and  the  other  by  first  Lieut.  Robinson,  of  the 
Constitution.  The  Gun-boats  were  thus  arranged, 
mounting  each  a  brass  twenty-six  pounder. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Boat  No.  IV.  Capt.  Decatur 
No.  V.  Lieut.  Bainbridge 
No.  VI.  Lieut.  Trippe 


FIRST   DIVISION. 

No.  I.  Lieut.  Somers 
No.  II.  Lieut.  J.  Decatur 
No.  III.  Lieut.  Blake 


The  Constitution,  the  Brigs  and  the  Schooners,  were 
to  be  situated  to  cover  them  from  the  fire  of  the  batte- 
ries and  the  castle,  and  to  silence  the  tremendous  can- 
nonade expected  from  more  than  two  hundred  pieces 
of  heavy  ordnance  mounted  in  them,  and  on  the  ma- 
rine  force,  of  the  enemy.     Although  the  squadron  had 


STEPHEN  DBCATUR.  117 

been  long  in  the  Mediterranean,  the  unceasing  vigi- 
lance and  assiduity  of  Com.  Preble,  Capt.  Decatur,  and 
the  rest  of  the  officers  and  seamen,  had  kept  it  in  the 
most  complete  preparation  for  any  service.  The  Bashaw 
was  also  prepared  to  receive  them,  and,  (as  he  confi- 
dently expected,)  to  repulse  them.  Preble  had  not  the 
most  distant  wish  to  enter  the  city  with  his  small  force. 
He  was  determined,  if  possible,  to  destroy  the  naval 
force,  the  batteries,  and  the  castle  of  the  enemy,  and 
conquer  them  into  peace  upon  his  chosen  element. 

Upon  the  3d  of  August,  the  gales  had  subsided,  and 
the  Commodore  resolved  to  commence  an  attack.  The 
disparity  of  force  between  Preble  and  the  Bashaw  at 
Tripoli  was  much  greater  than  that  of  Nelson  and  the 
king  of  Denmark  at  Copenhagen.  At  about  half  past 
ten  o'clock,  the  two  bombards  from  signals  previously 
arranged,  stood  in  for  the  town,  followed  by  the  whole 
squadron,  in  the  most  gallant  style.  More  th^n  two 
hundred  of  the  Bashaw's  guns  were  brought  to  bear 
directly  upon  the  American^ squadron.  Included  in 
this  force  of  the  enemy,  were1  one  heavy  armed  Brig — 
two  Schooners — two  large  Gallies,  and  nineteen  Gun- 
boats each  of  superior  force  to  those  commanded  by 
Capt.  Decatur  and  Lieut.  Somers  ;  as  they  mounted 
each  a  twenty  four  brass  pounder  in  the  bow,  and  two 
smaller  guns  in  the  stern. — The.  number  of  men  in 
each  boat  of  the  enemy,  were  forty.  In  the  six  boats 
of  our  squadron,  were  twenty  seven  Americans,  and 
thirteen  Neapolitans  each  ;  but  as  the  hitter,  in  close 
engagement,  remained  aghast  in  awe-struck  astonish- 
ment, and  declined  boarding,  they  were  of  but  little 
service. 


118  LIFE    OF 

Thus,  then,  at  the  commencement  of  the  engage- 
ment between  the  rival  gun-boats,  the  different  forces 
stood  : 


American. 
Gun-boats  6,  Guns  6. 

Americans     162  (  0ffic*rs  , 

Neapolitans    78  L  and     ' 
c  1  Seamen 


Tripolitan. 

Gun-boats  19 

Guns  57 

Officers  and  Seamen  760 


To  "  make  assurance  doubly  sure,"  the  enemy's  gun- 
boats were  stationed  directly  under  cover  of  the  Ba- 
shaw's batteries,  and  within  gun-shot  of  them.  So  per- 
fectly confident  were  their  commanders  of  a  decisive 
victory,  that  the  sails  of  every  one  of  them  had  been 
removed.  Com.  Preble  had  so  placed  his  squadron 
as  to  afford  every  possible  aid  to  his  two  Bombards,  and 
his  six  Gun-boats  ;  but  his  ulterior  object  was  to  pour 
his  heaviest  shot  into  the  batteries,  the  castle  and  the 
town, — knowing  that  if  he  dismayed  the  boasting  Ba- 
shaw in  his  den,  his  affrighted  slaves  would  flee  in  pro- 
miscuous consternation. 

The  elevated  roof  of  the  palace, — the  terraces  of 
the  houses,  and  every  building  capable  of  sustaining 
spectators  were  crowded  to  overflowing,  to  behold  the 
triumph  of  Mahometans  over  Christians. 

At  a  little  before  3  o'clock,  the  gallant  Commodore 
made  signal  for  general  action.  The  bombards  advan- 
ced ;  and  with  a  precision  and  rapidity,  perfectly  as- 
tonishing, poured  their  shells  into  the  city.  The  im- 
mense force  of  the  Bashaw  immediately  opened  their 
whole  batteries  upon  the  squadron,  from  the  land  and 
in  the  harbour.  The  Constitution,  the  Brigs,  and 
Schooners  advanced  within  musket-shot  of  them,  and 
answered  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  119 

Gapt.  Decatur,  in  the  leading  gun-boat  of  his  division, 
followed  by  Lieutenants  Bainbridge  and  Trippe,  in 
Nos.  5  and  6,  bore  impetuously  into  the  midst  of  the 
enemy's  windward  division  of  nine  Gun  boats,  consist- 
ing of  the  men  and  guns  before  mentioned.  He  had 
previously  ordered  his  three  boats  to  unship  their  bow* 
sprit,  as  he  and  his  dauntless  comrades  resolved  to 
board  the  enemy.  Lieut.  Somers  and  his  division 
were  to  follow  and  support  Capt.  Decatur's;  but  his 
and  Lieut.  Blake's  boats  had  fallen  so  far  to  leeward 
that  it  was  impossible.  Lieut.  James  Decatur,  of  No. 
2,  however,  brought  his  boat  into  his  intrepid  broth- 
er's division,  and  entered  into  the  engagement  nearly 
at  the  same  time  with  him.  A  contest  more  unequal 
cannot  be  imagined.  As  soon  as  the  contending  boats 
were  brought  into  contact  with  each  other,  the  dis- 
charge of  the  cannon  and  musketry  on  board  of  them 
almost  entirely  ceased,  and  the  mora  bloody  and  de- 
structive struggle  with  swords,  sabres,  espontoons, 
.spears,  scimitars,  ard  other  deadly  weapons  succeeded. 
Capt.  Decatur  grappled  an  enemy's  boat,  full  armed 
and  full  manned — leaped  on  board  her — was  followed 
by  only  fifteen  Americans  (little  more  than  one  third  of 
the  Tripolitans  in  numbers)  and  in  the  space  of  ten  mi- 
nutes made  her  his  prize. 

At  this  moment  the  American  Gun-boats  were 
brought  within  range  of  the  Bashaw's  batteries,  which 
opened  a  tremendous  cannonade  upon  them.  Commo- 
dore Preble,  perceiving  the  imminent  danger,  and  the 
almost  inevitable  destruction  of  Capt.  Decatur's  divi- 
sion of  boats,  immediately  ordered  the  signal  for  re- 
treat to  be  made.     In  the  heat  of  the  battle  of  Copen- 


120  LIFE  OF 

hagen,  Lord  Parker  ordered  the  signal  for  retreat  to 
be  made.  One  of  Nelson's  officers  observed  it,  and  re- 
minded the  Admiral  of  the  circumstance.  He  immedi- 
ately raised  his  glass  to  his  stone-blind  eye — declared 
he  "could  not  see  it" — and,  at  the  hazard  of  his  life, 
for  disobedience  of  orders,  gained  one  of  his  greatest 
victories.  It  was  not  so  with  the  no  less  valiant  Deca- 
tur. Amongst  the  numerous  signals  on  board  the  Com- 
modore's ship,  that  for  the  retreat  of  the  boats  had 
been  omitted.  The  dauntless  Preble  then  advanced 
with  the  Constitution,  the  Brigs,  and  the  Schooners, 
to  within  three  cable's  length  of  the  batteries — com- 
pletely silenced  them  by  a  few  broadsides,  and  covered 
the  retreat  of  the  Gun-boats  with  their  prizes. 

But  a  duty,  encircled  with  peril  without  a  parallel — 
an  achievement  to  be  performed  without  an  equal — a 
display  of  affection  surpassing  the  tales  of  romance — 
and  the  sudden  execution  of  vengeance  upon  trangres- 
sion  remained  for  Capt.  Decatur,  before  he  left  the 
blood-stained  harbour  of  Tripoli. 

His  gallant  brother,  Lieut.  James  Decatur,  no  less 
daring  than  himself,  had  captured  a  Tripolitan  Gun- 
boat ;  and,  after  it  was  surrendered  to  him,  its  com- 
mander, with  diabolical  pertidiousness,  combined  with 
dastardly  ferocity,  shot  him  dead,  just  as  he  was  step- 
ping upon  the  deck  !  While  the  Americans  were  re- 
covering the  body  of  their  slain  commander,  the  Turk 
escaped  with  the  prize-boat.  As  Capt.  Decatur  was 
bearing  his  prize  triumphantly  out  of  the  harbour,  this 
heart  rending  catastrophe  was  communicated  to  him. 

Instinctive  vengeance  sudden  as  the  electric  shock, 
took  possession   of  his  naturally  humane  and  philan* 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  121 

thropic  sdul.  It  was  no  time  for  pathetic  lamentation. 
The  mandate  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  cried  aloud 
in  his  ear — "Avenge  a  brother's  blood."  With  a 
celerity,  almost  supernatural,  he  changed  his  course — 
rushed  within  the  enemy's  whole  line  with  his  single 
boat,  with  the  gallant  Macdonough  and  nine  men  only 
as  his  crew ! !  His  previous  desperate  rencontres, 
scarcely  paralleled,  and  never  surpassed  in  any  age 
or  country,  seem  like  safety  itself,  when  compared 
with  what  immediately  followed.  Like  an  ancient 
knight,  in  the  days  of  chivalry,  he  scorned,  on  an  occa- 
sion like  this,  to  tarnish  his  sword  with  the  blood  of 
vassals.  His  first  object  was  to  board  the  boat  that 
contained  the  base  and  treacherous  commander,  whose 
hands  still  smoaked  with  the  blood  of  his  murdered 
brother.  This  gained,  he  forced  his  way  through  a 
crew  of  Turks,  quadruple  the  number  of  his  own,  and, 
like  an  avenging  messenger  of  the  King  of  Terrors, 
singled  out  the  guilty  victim.  The  strong  and  power- 
ful Turk,  first  assailed  him  with  alongespontoon,  heav- 
ily ironed  at  the  thrusting  end.  In  attempting  to  cut 
off  the  staff,  Captain  Decatur  furiously  struck  the  iron- 
ed part  of  the  weapon,  and  broke  his  sword  at  the  hilt. 
The  Turk  made  a  violent  thrust,  and  wounded  Deca- 
tur in  his  sword  arm  and  right  breast.  He  suddenly 
wrested  the  weapon  from  the  hand  of  his  gigantic  an- 
tagonist ;  and,  as  one  "  doubly  ami'd  xa-ho  hath  his  quar- 
rel just ,"  he  closed  with  him  ;  and,  after  a  long,  fierce, 
and  doubtful  struggle,  prostrated  him  upon  the  deck. 
During  this  struggle,  one  of  Decatur's  crew,  who  h 
lost  the  use  of  both  arms  by  severe  wounds,  beheld  a 

11 


122  LIFE    OV 

Turk,  with  an  immense  sabre,  aiming  a  fatal  blow  at 
/  his  adored  commander.  He  immediately  threw  his 
mutilated  body  between  the  falling  sabre  and  his  Cap- 
tain's head — received  a  severe  fracture  in  his  own,  and 
saved  for  his  country    one   of  its  most  distinguished 

- 

champions,  to  fight  its  future  battles  upon  the  ocean. ^ 
While  Decatur  and  the  Turk  were  struggling  for 
life  in  the  very  throat  of  death,  the  exasperated  aid  in- 
furiated crews  rushed  impetuously  forward  in  defence 
of  their  respective  Captains.  The  Turk  drew  a  con- 
cealed dagger  from  its  sheath,  which  Decatur  seized  at 
the  moment  it  was  entering  his  heart — drew  his  own 
pistol  from  his  pocket,  and  instantly  sent  his  furious 
foe — 

"  To  his  long  account,  unanointed,  unaneal'd, 

"  With  all  his  sins  and  imperfections  on  his  head." 

Thus  ended  a  conflict,  feebly  described,  but  dread- 
ful in  the  extreme.  Capt.  Decatur  and  all  his  men 
were  severely  wounded  but  four.  The  Turks  lay 
killed  and  wounded  in  heaps  around  him.  The  boat 
was  a  floating  Golgotha  for  the  dead,  and  a  bloody  are- 
na for  the  wounded  and  dying.  Capt.  Decatur  bore  his 
second  prize  out  of  the  harbour,  as  he  had  the  first 
amidst  a  shower  of  ill  directed  shot  from  the  astonished 
and  bev.  ildered  enemy  ;  and  conducted  them  both  to 
the  squadron.  On  board  the  two  prizes,  there  were 
thirty -three  officers  and  men  killed,  more  than  double 
the  number  of  Americans  under  Decatur,  at  any  one 
time  in  clo«e  engagement.  Twenty-seven  were  made 
prisoners,  nineteen  of  whom  were  desperately  wounded 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  123 

—the  whole  a  miserable  off-set  for  the  blood  of  Lieut. 

Decatur,  treacherously  slain.     The  blood  of  all  Trip- 
»  '  ... 

oli  could  not  atone  for  it,  nor  a  perpetual  pilgrimage  to 

Mecca  wash  away  the  bloody  stain. 

While  thus  particular  in  describing  this  unparrallel- 
ed  achievement  of  Captain  Decatur,  it  is  impossible  to 
overlook  the  achievements  of  his  other  associates  in 
the  Gun-boats.  The  gallant  and  lamented  Lieut.  Som- 
ers,as  he  could  not  join  Decatur  as  ordered,  with  his 
single  boat  No.  I.  attacked^e  full  armed  and  full  man- 
ned Tripolitan  Gun-boats — committed  dreadful  slaugh- 
ter amongst  them,  and  drove  them  upon  the  rocks  in  a 
condition  dreadfully  shattered.  Lieut.  Trippe,  whose 
name  will  forever  be  associated  with  courage,  as  well 
as  that  of  Midshipman  Henly,  with  only  nine  men  be- 
side themselves,  rushed  on  board  an  enemy's  Gun-boat 
— si e\\ fourteen,  and  made  twenty-two  prisoners,  seven 
of  whom  were  badly  wounded.  Lieut.  Trippe  received 
eleven  sabre  wounds.  Lieut.  Bainbridge,  also  distin- 
guished himself  for  saving  his  disabled  boat  apd  gallant 
crew  from  almost  certain  destruction, — and  beating  on 
the  enemy. 

The  Bombards,  by  the  rapid  and  accurate  directions 
of  shells,  spread  as  much  consternation  in  the  city  as 
the  squadron  did  in  the  harbour.  The  skillful  and 
fearless  Comm.  Preble,  in  the  noble  Constitution, 
keeping  his  ship  in  easy  motion,  was  found  wherever 
the  greatest  danger  threatened  ;  and  by  frequently 
wearing  and  tacking,  gave  perpetual  annoyance  to  the 
enemy,  and  afforded  to  the  smaller  vessels  of  his  squad- 
ron, constant  protection. 

The  enemy,  driven  to  desperation,  by  the  loss  of 


124  LIFE  OF 

their  boats,  and  by  the  numerous  hosts  of  their  com 
rades  slain  upon  land,  as  well  as  those  who  fell  under 
their  immediate  view,  attempted  to  rally,  and  regain 
what  they  had  lost.  They  were  suddenly  foiled  by 
the  Brigs  and  Schooners,  who  acted  a  no  less  gallant 
part  in  this  desperate  ocean-affray  than  all  the  rest  of 
this  immortalized  squadron.  They  attempted  a  second 
time  ;  and  met  with  a  second  repulse.  Finding  that  no 
naval  power  in  the  Mediterranean  could  withstand  an 
American  squadron,  they  sought  a  covert  under  rocks, 
a  natural,  and  under  batteries  and  castles,  artijiciai  de- 
fences. 

At  a  little  before  5  o'clock,  the  whole  squadron,  with 
their  prizes,  and  prisoners,  moved  majestically  out  of 
the  harbour;  and  left  the  Bashaw  to  examine  and  re- 
flect upon  the  consequences  of  the  third  visit  which 
Decatur  had  made  him  ;  the  last,  under  the  immediate 
command  of  the  veteran  Preble,  his  commander  in 
chief. 

The  reader,  who  has  past  his  early,  advanced,  and 
closing  years  of  life,  in  the  tranquil  scenes  of  retire- 
ment, can  form  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  sensations  of  the 
officers  and  seamen  of  Comm.  Preble's  squadron, 
when  they  met  each  other  after  this  desperate  and  most 
unequal  combat.  Every  one  would  naturally  enquire 
— u  How  many  were  killed  and  wounded  in  the  Frig- 
ate— how  many  in  the  different  Brigs,  Schooners,  Bom- 
bards and  Gun-boats."  It  was  for  Capt.  Decatur  to 
make  the  acswer.  "Many  are  wounded  my  comrades, 
but  not  one  is  slain,  but  my  brother."  He  might  have 
said, — "  If  you  have  tears  to  shed,  shed  them  now."  Well 
might  the  tears  of  grief  be  mingled  with  the  smiles  of 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  125 

triumph  upon  this  saddening  intelligence.  "  Death 
loves  a  shining  mark" — and  when  James  Decatur  fell, 
the  American  Navv  lost  a  brilliant  ornament — Coram. 
Preble  a  favorite  officer — Capt.  Decatur  a  brother 
he  loved  as  he  did  himself,  and  our  Republic  a  most 
gallant  and  accomplished  ocean-warriour.  But  like  Nel- 
son, he  died  in  the  arms  of  victory,  and  his  death  was 
most  signally  avenged. 

As  represented  by  an  officer  of  the  Constitution, 
when  Captain  Decatur,  Lieut.  Trippe,  Macdonough, 
Henley  and  most  of  the  officers  and  seamen,  belonging 
to  the  Gun-boats  joined  the  squadron,  fchey  looked  as  if 
they  had  just  escaped  from  the  si  lughter-house.  Their 
truly  noble  blood  was  mingled  with  that  of  Mahometans 
and  crimsoned  the  garbs  of  those  who  would  never  be 
stained  with  dishonour. 

The  injury  sustained  by  the  squadron  sinks  into  noth- 
ing, when  the  danger  it  was  exposed  to  is  considered. 
This  was  owing  to  the  consummate  nautical  skill  and 
coolness  of  our  officers  and  seamen,  and  to  the  stupid, 
sullen  ignorance  and  consternation  of  the  enemy.  To 
them  the  3rd  of  August  was  a  day  of  dreadful  retribu- 
tion. A  furious  tornado  not  more  suddenly  drives  the 
feathered  race  to  their  coverts,  than  did  the  first  dis- 
charges from  our  squadron,  the  frenzied  Turks,  who 
came  to  witness  its  discomfiture.  From  the  represen- 
tation of  an  intelligent  officer,  once  of  the  Philadelphia, 
then  a  prisoner  to  the  Bashaw,  it  is  learned,  that  every 
one  in  the  city  fled  who  could  flee.  Even  the  troops 
in  the  batteries  and  castle  dared  not  mount  the  parapet 
to  discharge  the  cannon.  The  affrighted  Bashaw,  with 
a  Mahometan  priest^  concealed   himself  in  his  bomb- 

11  * 


126  LIFE  OF 

proofroom;  and  undoubtedly  responded  to  the  roar 
of  Christian  cannon  by  pitiful  orisons  to  the  Prophet  of 
Mecca.  It  was  as  fruitless  as  the  prayers  of  the  Philis- 
tines to  Dagon  or  Ashdod.  His  slaves  who  had  no  cov- 
ert, buried  themselves  in  sand  to  escape  the  bursting 
bombs.  Although  it  was  a  scene  of  blood  and  carnage, 
there  is  enough  of  the  ludicrous  in  it  to  excite  a  smile 
in  the  American  reader.  It  clearly  evinces  that  those 
who  are  most  boastful  and  imperious,  when  possessed 
of  real  or  supposed  power,  are  the  most  mean,  pusillan- 
imous, and  contemptible,  when  convinced  of  their 
weakness. 

I  will  here  present  the  reader  with  the  sentiments  of 
a  distinguished  Turk,  in  the  language  of  an  American 
officer,  then  a  prisoner.  He  asked  the  officer—"  If 
those  men  that  fought  so  were  Americans,  or  infernals 
in  Christian  shape  sent  to  destroy  the  sons  of  Mahom- 
et the  prophet?  The  English,  French,  and  Spanish 
consuls  have  told  us  that  they  are  a  young  nation,  and 
got  their  independence  by  means  of  France.  That 
they  had  a  small  navy,  and  their  officers  were  inexpe- 
rienced ;  and  that  they  were  merely  a  nation  of  mer- 
chants ;  and  that  by  taking  their  ships  and  men,  we 
should  get  great  ransoms. — Instead  of  this,  their  Preb- 
le p5ys  us  a  coin  of  shot,  shells,  and  hard  blows  ;  and 
sent  a  Decatur  in  a  dark  night,  with  a  band  of  Chris- 
tian dogs,  fierce  and  cruel  as  the  tyger,  who  killed  our 
brothers  and  burnt  our  ships  before  our  eyes.''* 

By  this  first  attack,  the  city  of  Tripoli  suffered  con- 
siderable damage.     Many  of  the  guns  were  dismount- 

*  American  Biographical  Dictionary. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  12? 

ed,  and  many  Turks  were  slain.  But  it  was  in  the 
Bashaw's  marine  force,  where  the  most  destructive 
blow  was  struck.  In  the  two  prizes  taken  by  Capt. 
Decatur,  and  the  one  by  Lieut.  Trippe,  there  were, 
originally,  one  hundred  and  twenty  men.  Forty-seven 
were  killed — twenty-six  wounded,  who  with  the  re- 
mainder, were  taken  prisoners.  Three  full-manned 
boats  were  sunk,  with  every  soul  on  board  ;  and  al- 
most every  deck  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  within  the 
range  of  American  cannon,  were  swept  of  their  crews. 

In  consequence  of  the  destruction  of  the  Philadel- 
phia frigate  by  Decatur,  the  barbarism  of  Jussuff,  the 
bloody  Bashaw,  was  increased  against  Capt.  Bainbridge 
and  his  officers  and  seamen  in  bondage.  But  Commo- 
dore Preble  and  Capt.  Decatur,  aided  by  the  magnani- 
mous and  philanthropic  exertions  of  Sir  Alexander  Ball, 
once  a  favorite  officer  with  Nelson,  and  then  at  the 
Island  of  Malta,  found  means  to  alleviate  the  dismal 
gloom  of  their  bondage.  A  gallant  naval  commander 
like  Sir  Alexander  Ball,  could  not  endure  the  thought 
that  a  gallant  hero  like  Bainbridge  and  his  noble  crew, 
should  suffer  indignity  or  abuse  from  such  a  sanguinary 
wretch  as  Jussuff  and  his  slaves. 

After  the  3rd  of  August,  the  humbled  Bashaw  began 
to  relent.  Uut  his  conviction  was  more  the  result  of 
alarming  fears,  than  of  a  consciousness  of  guilt.  The 
noble  hearted  Decatur  treated  his  wounded  prisoners 
with  the  greatest  humanity.  Their  wounds  were 
dressed  with  the  utmost  care  ;  and,  upon  the  5th,  he 
persuaded  Commodore  Preble  to  send  fourteen  of  them 
home  to  their  friends.  In  a  generous  bosom,  although 
an  enemy,  such  an  act  would  have  excited  inexpressi- 


128  LIFE  OF 

ble  admiration  ;  and  although  a  species  of  revenge  cal- 
culated to  "heap  coals  of  fire  upon  the  head"  of  a  sub- 
dued enemy,  yet  it  must  have  melted  an  heart  of  ada- 
mant. The  Bashaw  knew  that  one  of  his  officers  had 
basely  slain  the  brother  of  the  exalted  Decatur  ;  and 
could  not  comprehend  the  motives  of  his  humanity. 
His  savage  subtilty  augured  evil,  even  from  an  act  of 
pure  benevolence.  But  when  he  heard  the  restored 
and  wounded  Tripolitans  exclaim  in  the  rapture  of  en- 
forced gratitude — t;  The  Americans  in  battle  are  fiercer 
than  lions,  and  after  victory,  kinder  than  Mussulmen" 
his  savage  heart  began  to  soften.  But,  without  a  great 
ransom,  he  would  not  release  a  single  prisoner  who 
belonged  to  the  Philadelphia  frigate. 

From  the  3rd  to  the  7th  of  August,  Comm.  Pre- 
ble, Capt.  Decatur,  and  the  rest  of  the  officers 
and  seamen,  had  but  little  time  for  repose  after  their 
arduous  toils  in  reaching  the  harbour  of  Tripoli,  and 
administering  to  the  Bashaw  a  portion  of  American 
vengeance.  They  were  all  incessantly  engaged  in 
preparing  for  another  visit.  Capt.  Decatur  had  become 
perfectly  familiar  with  the  theatre  of  action  on  which 
the  American  squadron  was  now  acting  its  various  parts. 
Every  scene  was  drawing  toward  the  developement  of 
the  tragedy.  The  imperious  tone  of  the  3ashaw  was 
lowered,  as  his  hopes  of  safety  diminished.  He  howev- 
er would  surrender  no  prisoners  without  a  ransom  be- 
yond what  Comm.  Prelde  thought  himself  author- 
ised by  his  government  to  offer.  He  rather  preferred 
to  have  Consul  Lear  negociate  upon  land  ;  and  he  felt 
confident  of  his  powers  to  negociate  with  his  invinci- 
ble squadron. 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  129 

Capt.  Decatur,  indeed  all  the  officers  of  every  grade, 
and  every  seaman,  exerted  every  nerve  to  aid  Comm. 
Preble.  They  stood  around  him  like  affectioaate  and 
obedient  children  around  a  beloved  and  dignified  pa- 
rent, anxious  to  learn  his  precepts,  and  prompt  to  obey 
his  commands.  He  stood  in  the  midst  of  them  in  the 
double  capacity  of  their  father,  and  a  representative  of 
his  and  their  country.  He  knew  they  would  follow 
wherever  he  would  lead,  and  would  lead  where  neces- 
sary prudence  would  prevent  him  from  following. 
Well  might  the  astonished  Turks  compare  then  to 
lions  ;  for  they  had  proved  themselves  irresistible  in 
battle — generous  and  noble  in  victory. 


130  LIIE  OF 


CHAPTER  X. 

Gapt.  Decatur  receives  high  commendations  from  Comm.  Preble- 
-Grief  at  the  death  of  Lieut.  J.  Decatur — Notice  of  him— ■ 
Proposals  of  the  Commodore  to  the  Bashaw — Renewal  of  the 
attack  upon  Tripoli— Capt.  Somers,  Lieuts.  Wadsworth  and 
Israel  enter  into  the  squadron  of  the  enemy's  boats  with  the 
Ketch  Intrepid  as  a  fire  ship — She  explodes  ! — Awful  effects  of 
the  explosion — Reflection— Notice  of  Lieut.  Wadsworth-Com. 
Preble  superseded  by  Comm.  Barron — Brief  notice  of  Ed  ward 
Preble. 

Capt.  Decatur,  having  thus  far  taken  such  a  distin- 
guished and  leading  part  in  all  the  gallant  achievements 
in  the  naval  warfare  of  America  against  Tripoli,  it  be- 
came indispensably  necessary  to  be  somewhat  minute 
in  describing  them,  in  order  to  present  him  to  the 
reader. 

For  his  unparalleled  bravery,  desperate  courage,  and 
unequalled  success  in  the  battle  of  the  3rd  of  August, 
Comm.  Preble  could  bestow  nothing  but  his  highest  and 
most  unqualified  commendation.  This  was  not  the 
mere  effusion  of  an  admiring  commander,  surrounded 
by  his  victorious  comrades  around  the  festive  board, 
after  a  signal  victory,  but  it  was  officially  announced  to 
the  whole  squadron,  in  a  "  general  order"  upon  the 
4th.  The  Commodore  knew  well  where  to  bestow  ap- 
plause, and  when  to  make  or  rather  to  recommend  pro- 
motion. His  general  order  is  in  the  Navy  Department ; 
and  as  to  promotion  it  was  out  of  the  question,  as  De- 
catur, although  but  twenty-five  years  of  age,  had  reach- 
ed the  highest  grade  in  the  American  Navy. 


STEPHEN  BECATUR.  131 

Amidst  the  congratulations  in  the  squadron  for  the 
successful  issue  of  the  first  attack  upon  Tripoli,  a  silent 
gloom  irresistably  pervaded  the  hearts  of  the  officers 
and  seamen.  It  was  not  caused  by  contemplating  upon 
the  arduous  and  yet  uncertain  contest  which  they  were 
directly  to  renew.  Inured  to  duty,  and  familiar  with 
victory,  they  were  total  strangers  to  fear.  But  Lieut. 
James  Decatur  "was  dead!"  While  they  were  float- 
ing triumphantly  upon  the  waves  of  the  Mediterranean, 
his  body  was  reposing  in  death  upon  its  bed,  and  his 
gallant  spirit  had  flown  to  heaven.  The  shouts  of  joy 
over  all  Britain  for  the  victory  of  Trafalgar,  were  min- 
gled with  groans  of  grief  for  the  death  of  Nelson.  No 
less  pungent  was  the  sorrow  of  intrepid  Americans  at 
the  fall  of  Lieut.    Decatur. 

He  had  unremittingly  pursued  the  duty  of  the  naval 
profession  from  the  time  he  entered  the  navy,  until  the 
day  he  was  basely  and  treacherously  slain.  It  is  in- 
consistent with  the  design  of  this  volume,  to  go  into  a 
minute  detail  of  his  life.  The  life  of  his  admired  broth- 
er is  the  object  of  it.  Suffice  it  then  to  say,  that  by  a 
long  course  of  assiduous  duty,  in  various  ships  of  the 
American  navy,  and  under  different  commanders,  he 
secured  to.  himself  the  confidence  of  his  superior?,  and 
the  approbation  of  his  government.  The  post  assign- 
ed him  upon  the  3rd  of  August,  evinced  the  high  esti- 
mation in  which  he  was  holden  by  the  discerning  and 
penetrating  Comm.  Preble.  The  manner  in  tvhich 
he  discharged  the  duty  imposed  upon  him,  and  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  fell,  have  already  been  mentioned. 
His  memory  is  embalmed  with  those  of  Somers,  Wads- 
worth  and  Israel,  who  followed  him  into  eternity,  thir- 


132  LIFE  OF 

ty  days  after  he  left  the  world,  and  who  made  their  ex- 
it from  the  same  sanguinary  theatre  upon  which  he 
fell. 

The  fearful,  yet  temporising  Bashaw,  through  the 
medium  of  a  foreign  consul,  offered  terms  to  Preble 
which  he  indignantly  rejected,  as  degrading  to  his  gov- 
ernment. Upon  the  7th,  another  attack  was  resolved 
upon,  and  the  squadron  arranged  in  order  to  execute 
it.  The  effect  desired,  was  produced.  A  heavy  batte- 
ry was  silenced — many  bomb-shells  and  round  shot 
were  thrown  into  the  town— and,  although  the  damage 
to  the  enemy  was  not  so  essential  as  the  attack  of  the 
3rd,  it  increased  the  dismay  of  the  Bashaw. — Amongst 
the  Gun-boats  engaged  in  this  second  attack,  was  one 
taken  from  the  enemy  by  Decatur.  She  was  blown  up 
by  a  hot  ball  sent  from  the  batteries,  and  Lieut.  Cald- 
well, Midshipman  Dorsey  and  eight  seamen  were  kill- 
ed ;  six  were  wounded  ;  and  Midshipman  Spence,  with 
eleven  seamen  were  rescued  unhurt  from  the  waves. 

Two  days  afterwards  Commodore  Preble  took  a  de- 
liberate view  of  the  harbouf"in  one  o£the  Brigs,  in  or- 
der to  determine  the  best  mode  of  commencing  a  third 
attack.  He  gave  "  no  sleep  to  the  eyes  nor  slumber 
to  the  eyelids"  of  the  sullen  and  incorrigible  wretch 
who  wielded  the  sceptre  of  blood-begotten  power 
over  his  subjects,  the  wretched  and  degraded  race  of 
beings,  who  were  dragging  out  a  miserable  existence  in 
Tripoli.  The  hopes  of  the  American  prisoners  in- 
creased, as  those  of  the  Bashaw  and  his  troops  dimin- 
ished. The  terms  for  ransom  were  lowered  more  than 
two  thirds  ;  but  Preble  and  Decatur  had  become  stern 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  133 

negociators ;  and  Mr.  Lear  chose  to  let  them  continue 
their  diplomatic  skill. 

The  prospects  of  a   protracted  warfare — at  an  im- 
mense expense  to  the  American  government  ;  the  te- 
dious and  gloomy  imprisonment  of  nearly  half  a  thou- 
sand Americans  in  the  dungeons  of  a  barbarian,  amongst 
whom  were  some  of  the  noblest  hearts  that  ever  beat 
in  human  bosoms — the  probability  that  more  American 
blood  must  be  shed  in  effecting  a  complete  subjugation 
of  the  yet  unyielding  Bashaw,  induced  Comm.  Preble  to 
offer  the  sum  of  eigMy  thousand  dollars  as  a  ransom  for 
the   prisoners,   and    ten  thousand   dollars  as    presents, 
provided  he  would  enter   into  a  solemn  and  perpetual 
treaty  with  the  American  government  never  to  demand 
an  annual  tribute  as  the  price  of  peace. 

The  infatuated  and  infuriated  Bashaw  rejected  these 
proposals  with  affected  disdain  mingled  with  real  fear. 
Comm.  Preble  had  nothing  now  to  do  but  to  renew  his 
naval  operations.  He  could  entertain  no  rational  hopes 
from  the  romantic  and  chivalrous  attempt  of  Gen.  Eaton, 
who  had  entered  Derne  with  the  Ex- Bashaw  Cara* 
malli ;  and  with  whom  he  had  made  a  treaty.  Thi«i 
unfortunate  prince  with  his  gallant  general  and  his  rab- 
ble-army could  no  sooner  have  entered  the  city  of  Tri 
poli  by  land,  guarded  by  more  than  20,000  well  armed 
Arabs,  than  one  of  the  reigning  Bashaw's  gallies  could 
.have  sunk  the  frigate  Constitution.*     He  therefore  leit 

*  See  Chap.  VIII.  However  much  the  reader  may  admire  the 
almost  unparalleled  exertions  of  Eaton  in  the  cause  of  Caramalli. 
and  regret  the  misfortunes  of  both,  still  the  cool  and  reflecting 
statesman  could  never  give  his  sanction  to  a  project,  so  extreme- 

12 


134  LIFE  OF 

it  wholly  with  the  American  consul  to  arrange  affairs 
with  the  august  court  of  Tripoli,  while  he  was  deter- 
mined to  "  manage  his  own  affairs  in  his  own  way"  with 
his  squadron  in  the  harbour. 

Capt.  Decatur,  the  next  in  command  to  Comm.  Preble, 
his  confidential  adviser,  and  the  idol  of  every  Ameri- 
can in  the  squadron,  stimulated  the  whole  to  the  exer- 
tion df  their  utmost  energy.  To  repel  the  idea  that 
the  pacific  offer  of  the  Commodore  arose  from  appre- 
hensions of  defeat,  the  bo  nbards  occasionally  disgorged 
their  destructive  contents  into  the  city  ;  when  upon  the 
27th  Aug.  another  general  attack  was  made  with  such 
effect  as  to  induce  the  Bashaw  to  renew  negociations 
for  peace,  but  nothing  definitive  was  effected.  Upon 
the  3d  September,  another  attack  was  made  to  the  very 
great  injury  of  the  Bashaw's  batteries,  castle  and  city. 

Although  but  few  Americans  had  lost  their  lives  in 
the  various  battles,  yet  the  vessels  of  the  squadron  had 
suffered  very  considerable  injury.  Capt.  Decatur  pro- 
posed that  the  Ketch  Intrepid,  so  often  mentioned,  which 
he  had  captured  himself,  and  with  which  he  had  des- 
troyed the  Philadelphia  frigate,  should  be  converted 
into  a  fire-ship,  and  sent  into  the  midst  of  the  enemy's 
gallies  and  gun-boats  to  complete,  their  destruction.  To 
this  the  Commodore  acceded — loaded  her  with  one 
hundred  barrels  of  powder,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty 
shells  ;  and  fixed  upon  the  night  of  the  memorable  4th 
of  September,  for  the  daring  and  hazardous  attempt. 

Capt.  Decatur  would  gladly  have  commanded   the 

ly  difficult  of  accomplishment,  with  means  so  wholly  incompe- 
tent. Eaton  will  never  be  forgotten  ;  but  he  will  be  remembered 
as  a  victim  to  his  own  romantic  ambition. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  135 

expedition,  and  probably  from  his  seniority  might  have 
claimed  the  command  ;  but  his  generosity  to  his  beloved 
brother  officers  induced  him  to  wave  an  opportunity  of 
adding  another  to  the  numerous  laurels  that  composed 
the  garland  of  victory  upon  his  brow.  Capt.  Somers 
volunteered  his  services  and  was  designated  as  the 
commander  ;  he  was  immediately  joined  by  Lieuts. 
Wadsworth  and  Israel,  and  a  sufficient  number  of  gal- 
lant seamen. 

Although  Capt.  Decatur  was  but  a  spectator   of  the 
awfully  tremendous  scene  that  followed,  the  reader  may 
be  gratified  by  a  succinct  account  of  it  a^  related  by  an 
accomplished   eye-witness,  to  the  writer.     The  eve- 
ning was  unusually  calm,  and  the  sea  scarcely  present- 
ed the  smallest  wave   to  the   eye.     That  part  of  the 
squadron  which  was  not  designated  as  a  convoy  to  the 
Intrepid  lay  in  the  outer  harbour.     Two  swift  sailing 
boats  were  attached  to  the   Intrepid,  and    the   Argus, 
Vixen  and  Nautilus,  were  to  conduct  them  to  their 
destination,  and  receive  the  crew  after  the  match  was 
applied  to  the  fatal  train.    At  a  little  before  nine  o'clock, 
the  Intrepid,  followed  by  the  convoy,  moved  slowly  and 
silently  into  the  inner  harbour.     Two  of  the  enemy!s 
heavy  gallies,  with  more  than  a  hundred  men  each,  en- 
countered   the   fire-ship,    unconscious    that    she    was 
pregnant  with  concealed  magazines   of  death.     They 
captured    her  of  course  as    the  little   crew  could  not 
withstand,  such  an  overwhelming  force  for  a   moment. 
It  being  the  first  prize  the  Tripolitans  had  made,  the 
exulting  captors  were  about  bearing  her  and  the  pris- 
oners triumphantly  into  port.     The  crew   were  to  be 
immured  in  the  same   dungeon  with  Capt.  Bainbridge 


136 


LIFE    OF 


and  his  crew,  who  had  worn  away  eleven  tedious  month? 
in  dismal  slavery.     To  Somers,  Wadsvvorth  and  Israel, 

"  One  hour  of  virtuous  liberty  was  worth 
An  whole  eternity  of  bondage,'''1 — 

and  instant  death,  far  preferable  to  Turkish  captivity. 
It  is  still  left  to  conjecture  and  must  always  be  so  left, 
by  whom  their  instantaneous  release  from  slavery  and 
from  mortality  was  occasioned.  It  is  with  an  agitated 
heart  and  a  trembling  hand  that  it  is  recorded,  that  the 
Intrepid  suddenly  exploded  and  a  few  gaHant  Americans 
with  countless  numbers  of  barbarians,  met  with  one 
common  and  undistinguished  destruction. 

It  is  generally  understood  by  American  readers  that 
Capt.  Somers,  his  officers  and  crew,  after  being  captur- 
ed, mutually  agreed  to  make  voluntary  sacrifices  of 
themselves,  to  avoid  slavery  and  to  destroy  the  enemy. 
In  support  of  this,  the  writer  is  authorised  to  state  that 
Capt.  Somers,  directly  before  entering  into  this  entei- 
prise,  declared  that  "  he  would  never  be  captured  by  the 
enemy  or  go  into  Turkish  bondage." 

It  is  entirely  beyond  the  reach  of  the  most  fertile 
imagination  to  form  an  adequate  conception  of  the  reality 
of  this  awful  scene.  The  silence  that  preceded  the 
approach  of  the  Intrepid,  was  followed  by  the  discharge 
of  cannon  and  musketry,  and  ended  by  the  fearful  and 
alarming  shock  of  the  explosion.  Every  living  Chris- 
tian and  Mahometan  witnin  view  or  hearing,  stood 
aghast  and  a  we-struck. 

For  the  Jirst,  the  only,  and  the  last  time  in  his  life, 
Capt.  Decatur  was  excited  to  a  pitch  of  agonizing  dis- 
tress. With  agitated  strides  he  paced  his  deck — cast 
his  eyes  into  the  harbour  where  his  gallant  brotlier, 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  137 

thirty  days  before,  was  treacherously  slain,  and  contem- 
plated upon  the  fractured  and  mangled  bodies  of  Soov 
ers,  Wadsworth  and  Israel,  sinking  to  a  watery  bed  with 
him.  If  tears  may  ever  be  permitted  to  bedew  the 
cheek  of  a  warrior,  it  was  a  tiaie  to  weep.  If  he  could 
have  avenged  the  deaths  of  his  brothers  by  profession, 
as  he  had  that  of  a  brother  by  kindred,  not  a  moment 
would  have  been  spent  in  unavailing  grief.  But  barba- 
rous enemies  and  endeared  comrades  met  with  one 
common  destiny,  and  all  was  an  outspread  scene  of  de- 
solation. The  remaining  part  of  the  night  was  as  silent 
as  the  season  that  immediately  succeeds  some  violent 
convulsion  of  nature. 

If. the  biographical  writer  could  be  allowed  to  blend 
his  own  "  reflections  and  remarks''  with  the  incidents 
and  events  he  records,  this  momentous  occurrence 
might  justify  them.  It  will,  however,  only  be  observ- 
ed, that  Capt.  Somers'  memory  has  sometimes  been  as- 
sailed by  those  whose  timid  and  scrupulous  system  of 
morals  evinces  a  lf  zeal  without  knowledge."  Admitting 
that  he  made  a  voluntary  sacrifice  of  himself,  his  ofh- 
cers,  and  his  crew,  to  avenge  the  injuries  of  his  country 
and  rescue  his  numerous  countrymen,  in  full  view,  from 
bondage.  Let  the  severest  casuist  that  ever  perverted 
the  plain  dictates  of  conscience,  by  metaphysical  sub- 
tlety, be  asked  if  every  man  who  enters  the  Navy  or 
Army  of  his  country,  does  not  voluntarily  expose  himself 
to  death  in  defending  its  rights,  its  honour,  and  its  inde- 
pendence ?  No  matter  in  what  manner  death  is  occa- 
sioned, so  be  it  the  sacrifice  adds  to  the  security  and 
advances  the  glory  of  his  country.  Whether  it  hap- 
pens in  the  midst  of  opposing  hosts. — in  single  combat, 

12  * 


138 


LIFE    OF 


—or  as  that  of  Soraers,  and  his  companions  did,  by  vol- 
untary sacrifice,  it  equally  redounds  to  their  glory  and 
their  country's  weal.  To  those  who  form  their  sys 
terns  exclusively  from  the  records  of  inspiration,  ex- 
amples from  them  might  be  quoted  ;  and  the  instance 
of  Sampson  alone,  who  fell  with  a  host  of  his  enemies, 
will  not,  by  them,  be  denied  as  being  analagous.  The 
classical  reader  will  immediately  recollect  that  Rome 
herself  was  twice  saved  from  destruction  by  the  volun- 
tary sacrifice  of  the  Decii. 

The  writer  hopes  to  be  indulged  in  a  brief  allusion  to 
the   gallant,  the   accomplished,    the    lamented    Lieut. 
Wadsworth,  with  whom  he  had  the  honour  and  enjoy- 
ed the  pleasure  of  some  acquaintance.     His  birth-place 
and  residence  was  in  Portland,  the  metropolis   of  the 
state  of  Maine,  and  in  the  immediate   neighbourhood  of 
the  great  Preble.     To  a  very  elegant  person,  he  added 
the  captivating  charms  of  a  mind   highly  refined.      His 
situation  placed  within  his  reach  all  the  fascinating  en- 
joyments  of  fashionable  life  ;    but  a    participation  in 
them,  could  not  render  him  effeminate.     The  previous 
examples  of  Stephen  and  James  Decatur  inspired  hi3  ar- 
dent bosom  with  a  thirst  for  naval  glory,  and  this  was 
enhanced  by  the  renown  acquired  by  his  distinguished 
townsman,  and  naval  father,  Comm.  Preble.      He    re- 
paired to  the   renowned  sea,  whose  waves  are   bound- 
ed by  three  of  the  great  quarters  of  the  globe,  and   al- 
most in  the  sight  of  which,  the  American  squadron  was 
triumphantly  wafting.     He  did  not  envy,  for  envy  found 
no  place  in  his  noble  heart ;    but  he  wished  to  emulate 
the  gallant  deeds  of  his  brother  officers.      The  d  sas- 
tcous,  yet  splendid  affair  of  the  4th  of  September,  ra« 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  139 

been  briefly  detailed.  Wads  worth  upon  that  fatal,  aw- 
ful night,  left  the  world  in  a  blaze  of  glory — gave  his 
mangled  corse  to  the  waves — his  exalted  spirit  to  heav- 
en—and his  immortal  fame  to  his  country.  Although 
his  precious  manes  are  "  Far  away  o'er  the  billow,"  his 
virtues  and  gallantry  are  commemorated  by  a  monu- 
ment  in  his  native  town,  the  voluntary  tribute  of  his 
admiring  friends  to  his  inestimable  worth. 

While  the  American  squadron  was  achieving  such 
unparralleled  deeds  in  the  Mediterranean,  the  Ameri- 
can government,  yet  unadvised  of  its  splendid  success, 
dispatched  an  additional  squadron  to  that  sea.  From 
the  state  of  the  naval  register,  and  the  rank  of  the  Post- 
Captains,  the  new  squadron  could  not  be  supplied  with 
officers  without  designating  one  who  was  senior  to 
Comm.  Preble.  This  devolved  upon  Comm.  Barron, 
who  arrived  upon  the  9th  of  September  1804. 

To  an  aspiring  hero  just  entering  the  path  of  fame, 
and  anxious  to  reach  its  temple,  a  sudden  check  to  his 
progress  is  like  the  stroke  of  death.  It  was  not  so  with 
Comm.  Preble  when  he  was  superseded  by  Comm.  Bar- 
ron. His  work  was  "  done  and  well  done;"  and  hesur- 
rendered  the  squadron  to  his  senior  as  Gen.  Jackson  did 
his  army  to  Gen.  Pinckney,  when  there  was  nothing  to 
do  but  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  victory. 

He  immediately  gave  the  command  of  his  favourite 
frigate  the  Constitution,  to  his  favourite  officer  Capt. 
Decatur,  and  obtained  leave  to  return  to  America. 

The  parting  scene,  as  described  by  one  who  witnessed 
and  who  felt  it,  was  one  of  the  most  interesting  that  the 
mind  can  conceive.  For  more  than  a  year  the  Com- 
modore and  his  eallant  comrades  had  been  absent  from 


140  LIFE    OP 

their  beloved  country — a  year  which  may  be  denomi- 
nated an  age  in  the  calendar  of  our  then  infant  navy — 
a  period  of  splendid  and  "successful  experiment"  with 
our  ships,  and  of  naval  instruction  and  experience  to 
our  officers  and  seamen.  Their  attachment  had  be- 
come cemented  by  common  toils,  common  dangers,  and 
common  victories.  The  war-worn  and  veteran  Preble 
gave  the  parting  hand  to  his  officers  as  a  father  to  his 
children,  and  the  signal  of  departure  to  his  seamen  as 
to  a  numerous  group  of  admiring  domestics.  The  first 
manifested  a  dignified  regret,  mingled  with  conscious 
pride — the  last  gazed  with  noble  grief,  upon  the  last 
visible  piece  of  canvass  that  wafted  their  beloved  com- 
mander in  chief  from  their  view. 

Fully  persuaded  that  the  reader  may  be  gratified  with 
a  very  brief  sketch  of  the  life  of  Capt.  Decatur's  fa- 
vourite commander,  and  his  immediate  predecessor  in 
the  command  of  the  frigate  Constitution,  it  will  here 
be  attempted,  however  imperfectly  it  may  be  executed. 

Edward  Preble  was  born  in  the  town  of  Portland, 
State  of  Maine,  upon  the  15th  August,  1761.  His  dar- 
ing and  adventurous  spirit  in  earW  life,  could  not  be 
better  gratified  by  his  friends,  than  by  procuring  for 
him  the  birth  of  a  Midshipman  in  the  little  naval  force 
suddenly  created  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  In  this 
capacity  he  entered  the  ship  "  Protector"  Capt.  Wil- 
liams, in  1779,  the  year "of  Decatur's  birth.  The  Pro- 
tector mounted  twenty-six  guns — upon  her  first  cruise, 
engaged  the  Admiral  Duff  of  thirty-six  guns — compel- 
led her  to  strike  her  flag — and  was  prevented  from  con- 
ducting her  triumphantly  into  an  American  port,  by  the  - 
explosion  of  the  prize,  immediately  after  her  capture. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  141 

The  humane  crew  of  the  Protector  picked  up  about 
forty  of  the  Admiral  Duff's  crew,  and  every  other  soul 
on  board  periled.  Thus  early  did  our  naval  heroes 
shew  that  genuine  humanity  is  ever  blended  with  true 
courage. 

He  next  entered  the  sloop  of  war  Winthrop  as  first 
Lieutenant,  under  Capt.  Little.  Finding  a  British  Brig 
of  superioor  force,  lying  in  the  harbour  of  Penobscot, 
Lieut.  Preble  conceived  the  daring  project  of  taking  her 
by  surprise.  Capt.  Little  concluded  to  make  the  haz- 
ardous attempt.  Preble  was  placed  at  the  head  of  for- 
ty seaman  ;  and  all  were  clad  in  white  frocks.  Upon 
the  night  in  which  the  design  was  to  be  executed  or 
defeated,  as  the  fortune  of  naval  warfare  should  deter- 
mine, Capt.  Little  run  the  Winthrop  along  side  the 
armed  Brig,  which  lay  near  a  considerable  battery  of 
cannon  on  shore.  He  was  hailed  by  the  enemy  most 
vociferously,  who  exclaimed — "  You  will  run  aboard" 
Lieut.  Preble,  cooly  answered — "  Aye  aye  Sir,  we  are 
coming  aboard" — and  instantly  jumped  into  the  brig, 
followed  by  only  fourteen  men,  as  the  re^t  could  not 
gain  her  by  the  violent  motion  of  the  ve«sel.  While 
the  Lieutenant  was  preparing  for  a  de-perate  contest, 
the  anxious  Capt.  Little  hailed  him,  and  asked  him — 
"  Will  you  not  have  more  men  ?" — The  gallant  Lieu- 
tenant, finding  but  little  time  to  answer  interrogatories 
particularly,  exchumpd  with  a  stentorian  voice,  "  No, 
Sir,  we  have  more  than  we  want ;  we  stand  in  each  others- 
way  ."  The  white  frocks  of  the  Americans,  enabled 
them  to  distinguish  each  other,  even  in  darkness.  That 
part  of  the  crew  who  had  gained  the  deck  jumped  over- 
board, and  swam  ashore,  which  was  within  pistol  shot. 


142  *"*  LIFE  OF  W? 

Many  below  followed  their  example  and  leaped  out  of 
the  cabin  window.  The  Lieutenant,  deliberately  en- 
tered the  cabin,  nvhere  he  found  the  officers  either  in 
bed  or  dressing.  He  sternly-demanded  a  surrender  of 
the  brig,  assuring  them  that  resistance  was  vairf'p.  and 
might,  to  them,  prove  disastrous.  The  astonished  Bri- 
tish officers  could  in  ^ain^call  their  men  to  quarters, 
for  they  had  made  a  passage  '.through  the  waves  to  the 
shore.  They  surrendered  <a» gracefully  as  they  could  ; 
and  as  Preble  was  conducting  his  prize  out  of  port,  th£ 
batteries  opened   upon  it,  and  the    infantry  poured  a 

•y:  harmless  shower  of  musketry.  This  was  amongst  the 
most  gall-ant  deeds'o£the  naval  force  in  the  Revolution- 
ary war  ;  and  r»lac43  Preble  upon  an  eminence,  upon 

'         which  he  ever  stood  to  the  day  of  his  death. 

As  the  prototype  o£"  the  gallant  Decatur,  he  was  by 
no  means  satisfied  with  owe  noble  achievement  as  the 
foundation  pi  his  fame.  He  continued  in  the  sloop  of 
war  Wihthrqpcm  the  assiduous' discharge  of  duty,  until 
the  British,  crown  acknowledged  the  independence  of 

the  American  Republic. 

r,   » . .  '■ 

Then  lUej^ny  tnded  the  small  beginning  of  the  Ame- 
rican-jfavy.  But  the  scintillations  of  naval  glory  were 
not extinguished — they  were  only  smothered — they 
were  to  b&  revived  again  into  a  blaze  by  the  cheering 
breezes  of**ational  prosperity. 

It  is  not  g£ovvn  to  the  writer  that  Lieut.  Preble  took 
any  part  in  the  naval  warfare  with  France  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  Adams.  The  conclusion  may  fairly  be 
made,  that  he  did  not  ;  as  he  certainly  would  have 
been  "  heard  from"  if  he  had.  But  this  is  all  conjee- 
ture. 


■• 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  J143 

In  1801,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
well  known  frigate  Essex,  as  Post-Captain,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  East  Indies  t a  afford  protection  and  con- 
voy to  (he  American  traSljb  in  those  seas.  Not  long  af- 
ter his  return,  he'  was  designated  by  government  to 
take  command  of  that  squadron  in  which  he,  Capt.  De- 
calur,  and  the  brilliant  list  M  American  ocean-war- 
riours  associated  with  them,  were  to  give  weight  and 
characie^ to  American  naval  prowess,  amongst  distant 
nations,"  who  before  knew  Americans  only  as  a  nation 
of,  merchants,  and  upon  whosecommerce  and  citizens 
some  of  them  had  preyed  with  impunity. 

In  tracing  the  life  of  Capt.  Decatur  from  the  time 
Comm.  Preble  took  the  command  of  the  American 
squadron  in  the  Mediterranean,  until  he  retired  from 
it,  the  writer  was  under  the  unavoidable  necessity  of 
blending  with  it  that  of  the  Commodore.  It  need  not 
be  here  repeated. 

At  the  time  he  left  the  Mediterranean,  it  had  become 
the  theatre  of  his  fame.  Kis  glory  was  familiar  to  the 
Pope  at  Rome  ;  and  although  his  squadron  belonged  to 
a  distant  and  Protestant  nation,  he  declared  that  "  All 
Christendom  had  not  effected  in  centuries,  what  the  Ame- 
rican squadron  had  accomplished  in  the  space  of  a  single 
year."  The  name  of  Preble,  as  commander  in  chief, 
a&4.of  Decatur  his  leading  champion,  resounded  through 
all  the  maritime  nations  upon  the  shores  of  the  Medi- 
terranean. Not  only  Tripoli,  but  all  the  Barbary  pow- 
ers bordeing  upon  that  sea,  were  held  in  check ,'ancT 
their  indiscriminate  depredation  upon  all  the  commer- 
cial worlcj-trading  in  its  ports,  enjoyed  in  a  greater  or 
less  degree,"  the  benefits  arising  from  the  presence,  the 


144  LIFE    OF 

vigilance,  and  the  achievements  of  the  American 
squadron.  Even  the  jealousy  of  British  naval  officers, 
for  a  time,  gave  place  to  the  effusions  of  involuntary 
admiration. 

Bat  it  was  in  the  bosom  of  his  own  beloved  country 
where  the  veteran  Commodore  received  demonstrations 
of  respect  and  approbation  most  grateful  to  his  patri- 
otic and  noble  heart.  Particulars  must  be  omitted. 
The  American  government,  fully  acquainted  with  his 
nautical  skill,  and  duly  appreciating  his  invaluable  ser- 
vices, employed  him  to  assist  in  arranging,  systema- 
tismg,  and  advancing  the  naval  establishment  of  the 
Republic.  He  had  conquered  Tripoli  into  a  peace, 
which  was  concluded  in  a  few  months  after  he  returned 
to  America.  A  vote  of  thanks,  and  a  medal,  were 
presented  to  him  by  Congress. 

He  died  in  his  native  town,  upon  the  25th  August, 
1807.  He  has  a  monument  of  his  fame  in  the  heart  of 
<every  officer  and  seaman  who  ever  served  under  him. 
It  is  enough  to  say  that  Stephen  Decatur,  never  ceas- 
ed to  express  his  unqualified  admiration  of  the  immortal 
Preble,  until  he  was  rendered  immortal  himself,  and 
followed  his  beloved  and  adored  naval  patron  into  eter- 
nity. 


t 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  14.3 


CHAPTER  XL 

Capt.  Decatur  takes  command  of  the  frigate  Constitution— 
Perfection  of  discipline  in  the  American  Navy — He  take.? 
command  of  the  frigate  Gongress.— Peace  with  Tripoli — 
Emancipation  of  Capt.  Bainbridge,  his  officers  and  seamen — 
Meeting  between  them  and  Capt.  Decatur,  American  officers 
and  seamen  of  the  Squadron — Captain  Decatur  returns  to  A- 
merica  in  the  frigate  Congress — Visits  his  father,  Commodore 
Decatur,  at  Philadelphia — He  is  appointed  Superintendant  of 
Gun-boats — Marries  Miss  Wheeler,  of  Norfolk,  (Vir.) — Su- 
persedes Comm.  Barron,  and  takes  command  of  the  fri- 
gate Chesapeake — "  Affair  of  the  Chesapeake" — Captain 
Decatur  takes  command  of  the  Southern  Squadron  as  Com- 
modore. 

Capt.  Decatur,  upon  the  retirement  of  Comm.  Pre- 
ble, from  the  American  squadron,  in  the  Mediterrane- 
an, found  himself  senior  to  all  the  officers  of  the  origi- 
nal  squadron,  and,  next  in  command  to  Comm.  Barron 
who  united  the  additional  force  with  it,  and  assumed 
the  chief  command  of  the  whole. 

As  commander  of  the  noble  frigate  Constitution,  and 
©f  the  gallant  officers  and  seamen  who  had  so  long  ser- 
ved under  the  immediate  orders  of  Comm.  Preble, 
Decatur  felt  as  if  a  high  degree  of  responsibility  devol- 
ved upon  him.  It  was  the  first  frigate  he  ever  com- 
manded, and  he  was  the  youngest  officer  in  the  Ameri- 
can navy  ever  placed  in  so  important  a  station.  But 
although  he  had  arrived  only  to  that  period  of  life  when 
the  characters  of  men  generally  begin  to  develope  their 
permanent  qualities,  he  had  so  intently  and  assiduously 

13 


146  LIFE    OF 

pursued  the  duties  of  his  profession- -had  passed  through 
so  many  grades  of  office — had  seen  such  a  diversity  of 
service,  and  had  fought  so  many  battles,  that  he  had 
become  qualified  for  any  station  in  the  navy. 

As  the  very  respectable  force  brought  into  the  Medi- 
terranean by  Comm.  Barron  so  essentially  augmented 
the  American  squadron,  the  most  efficient  operations 
were  probably  expected  to  be  immediately  commenced. 
But  the  Bashaw  was  already  sufficiently  humbled.  Ne- 
gociations  were  opened  upon  shore,  and  the  united 
squadrons  had  little  more  to  perform  than  the  sluggish 
and  irksome  duty  of  standing  off  and  on,  and  awaiting 
the  result  of  the  deliberations  at  the  Bashaw's  palace. 

Capt.  Decatur,  after  such  a  long  series  of  incessant 
duty,  might  well  be  supposed  to  need  repose.  But, 
ever  ready  to  receive  and  execute  the  orders  of  his  new 
commander,  he  remitted  no  portion  of  his  accustomed 
vigilance  in  preparing  for  it.  While  in  command  of  the 
Constitution,  he  enjoyed  the  society  of  the  accomplish- 
ed officers  who  remained  in  her,  and  who  had  partici- 
pated so  largely  in  the  dangers  the  squadron  had  en- 
countered, and  the  victories  it  had  gained. 

No  event  of  sufficient  interest  to  relate  particularly, 
took  place  in  relation  to  Capt.  Decatur  while  on  board 
the  Constitution.  It  might  be  hazardous  to  say  that 
the  crew  made  great  advances  in  the  science  of  naval 
tactics  while  under  his  command,  as  they  had  so  long 
served  under  the  accomplished  Preble  ;  but  it  has  ever 
been  acknowledged  that  Capt.  Decatur  was  amongst 
the  most  strict  and  best  qualified  disciplinarians  in  the 
American  Navy.  This,  if  not  the  very  first,  is  next  to 
the  first  quality  of  a  naval  officer.     Discipline  has  been 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  147 

acquired  by  all  the  American  officers,  and  to  a  degree 
of  perfection  unknown  even  to  the  oldest  veteran  Ad- 
mirals of  Britain,  who  now  enjoy  the  benefits  of  centuries 
of  previous  nav-r-l  xp  rience,  whereas  scarce  a  quarter 
of  a  century  has  passed  since  the  American  Navy  has 
had  existence. 

In  rapturously  contemplating  the  splendid  achieve- 
ments of  Decatur,  the  reader  is  exceedingly  prone  to 
overlook  the  causes  which  have  produced  such  won- 
derful effects.  Even  his  unequalled  personal  courage 
in  action,  might  have  led  him  to  the  fate  which  almost 
invariably  befals  misdirected  rashness,  had  he  not  tho- 
roughly acquired  that  nautical  skill  which  enabled  him 
to  practise  those  masterly  manceuverings,  which  so  of- 
ten baffled  his  most  skilful  adversaries.  And  also  that 
military  skill,  which  has  given  such  complete  perfection 
to  American  gunnery,  and  produced  such  rapid  and  tre- 
mendous effects  upon  the  enemy. 

It  is  believed  that  this  system  may  be  called  the 
American  naval  system— and  that  it  is  retained  as  an 
arcanum  with  our  naval  officers.  After  the  most  dili- 
gent research,  no  publication  could  be  found  which  de- 
veloped, what,  to  a  landsman,  seems  as  a  mystery.  This 
unquestionably  is  the  dictate  of  the  soundest  polic}'. 
Superior  skill  to  the  enemy,  gives  an  advantage  next  to 
that  of  superior  courage  ;  and  although  Americans  can- 
not pronounce  all  their  enemies  inferior  in  the  last,  it  is 
perfectly  honourable  to  conquer  theui  by  superiority  in 
the  first ;  and  to  maintain  that  superiority  by  conceal- 
ing the  causes   of  it  from  them.*     Gen.  Washington, 

*  After  a  few  naval  victories  in  the  war  of  1812,  a  distinguish- 


148  LIFE  OF 

when  indecorously  interrogated,  asked  the  inquisitive 
meddler — "  Can  you  keep  a  secret,  Sir  ?n — "  Certainly, 
I  cany — "So  can  I,  Sir"  the  profound  General  repli- 
ed. The  student  of  military  tactics  can  find  treatise 
piled  upon  treatise,  from  the  pens  of  subalterns  up  to 
Major-Generals,  and  from  the  humble  pamphlet  to  the 
ponderous  octavo.  Still  it  may  be  asked,  have  our 
officers  in  the  army  surpassed,  or  have  they  equalled 
those  ofthenavyin  an  uniform  system  of  discipline  ? 

After  the  lapse  of  some  time,  Capt.  Decatur  was  re- 
moved from  the  Constitution  to  the  frigate  Congress,  a 
ship  of  inferior  rate.  Ever  respectful  to  his  commander 
in  chief,  and  ever  cheerful  in  the  discharge  of  any  duty 
assigned  him,  he  pursued  the  same  undeviating  eourse 
of  discipline  on  board  the  Congress,  as  he  ever  had 
done  from  the  days  of  his  earliest  promotion.  Wher- 
ever he  commanded,  he  possessed  the  rare  faculty  of 
infusing  amongst  the  crew  the  spirit  that  pervaded  his 
own  bosom.  Under  him,  rigid  discipline  became  a 
pleasing  pastime  and  duty  a  pleasure. 

ed  British  writer,  on  the  capture  of  the  Boxer,  thus  expresses 
himself  :  "  The  fact  seems  to  be  but  too  clearly  established,  that 
the  Americans  have  some  superior  mode  of  firing  ;  and  we  cannot 
be  too  anxiously  employed  in  discovering  to  what  circumstances 
that  superiority  is  owing." — Another  British  writer  after  lament- 
ing in  the  bitterness  of  grief,  the  loss  of  the  Macedonian,  says  : 
"  It  affords  an  additional  ground  to  reflect  and  to  enquire  serious- 
ly into  the  strange  causes  which  have  rendered  our  relative  circum- 
stances with  respect  to  this  new  enemy,  so  different  from  what  they 
-  have  had  hitherto  to  contend  with.'1''  It  is  trusted  they  never  will 
learn  the  Theory  of  American  naval  tactics— and  the  Practice  of 
them  they  will  not  be  disposed  very  soon  to  try  again. A  wri- 
ter of  a  system  of  cookery,  directing  how  to  dress  a  dolphin, 
jravely  says — "  In  the  first  place,  catch  a  dolphin." 


STEPHEN    DECAJTUR.  149 

Negpciations  in  the  mean  time  were  lingering  and 
progressing,  delaying  and  advancing  in  Tripoli.  The 
severe  animadversions  in  the  Americau  Journals  at  that 
day  upon  this  subject,  belong  not  to  this  volume. 
Whether  the  government  ought  to  have  supported  and 
ratified  the  unofficial  treaty  made  by  Gen.  Eaton,  with 
the  Ex-Bashaw,  and  to  have  restored  the  latter  to  his 
throne  ;  or  to  have  rejected  that  made  by  Mr.  Lear, 
an  accredited  agent  of  the  government,  are  questions 
not  here  to  be  discussed.  Stephen  Decatur,  who  had 
so  nobly  and  courageously  aided  in  driving  the  reigning 
Bashaw  to  negociate  at  all,  had  no  hand  nor  voice  in  this 
diplomatic  arrangement. 

Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  sum  of  sixty  thousand  dollars 
was  paid  to  the  Bashaw — thirty  thousand  dollars  less 
than  the  gallant  Preble,  in  the  midst  of  victory,  had  of- 
fered ;  <ind  Jive  hundred  and  forty  thousand  dollars  less 
than  the  insolent  Bashaw,  in  fancied  security,  had  de- 
manded. The  politician  who  is  governed  solely  by 
money  logic,  would  certainly  be  satisfied  wi'h  this  stip- 
ulation, especially  as  it  was  a  sum  insufficient  to  support 
the  whole  squadron  for  sixty  days.  But  the  dignified 
and  patriotic  statesman,  who  ,c  surveys  the  whole 
ground" — who  knows  that  peace  tvas  established  after 
a  long,  hazardous,  and,  perhaps,  (if  continued)  a  doubt- 
ful contest — that  ample  provision  was  made  for  the  free- 
dom and  security  of  the  American  trade — and  that,  the 
noble  and  gallant  Bainbridge,  his  gallant  officers  and 
seamen,  and  other  American  citizens,  to  the  number  of 
near  half  a  thousand,  who  had  been  incarcerated  in 
dungeons  for  some  years,  and  none  little  less  than  eigh- 
teen months,  were  immediately  discharged  without  the 

13* 


150  LIFE  OF 

least  ransom,  would  unhesitatingly  give  his  assent  to  this 

treaty. 

Amongst  all  the  consequences  flowing  from  the  peace 
with  Tripoli,  no  one  was  so  perfectly  well  calculated 
to  swell  with  exulattpn  such  a  heart  as  Decatur's,  as 
the  restoration  of  the  prisoners  ;  especially  the  crew 
of  the  Philadelphia.  It  was  their  bondage  which  had 
for  months  stimulated  him  to  the  performance  of  deeds 
which  stand  unrivalled  upon  the  records  of  chivalrous 
courage.  It  was  to  him,  next  to  a  propitious  Provi- 
dence, that  they  owed  their  emancipation  from  a  bon- 
dage, which  as  it  is  unknown  to  Christian  countries, 
can  be  but  feebly  portrayed  in  Christian  language. 
Imagine  the  noble  Bainbridge,  the  gallant  Porter,  Jones, 
..  and  Biddle,  hurling  indignantly  the  cords  that  had  long 
bound  them,  at  their  humbled  oppressors,  and  throw- 
ing themselves  into  the  arms  of  the  enraptured  Deca- 
tur, Hull,  Lawrence,  Morris,  Macdonnough,  &c.  &c. 
emphatically  their  "  Deliverers" — Conceive  also  the 
numerous  crew,  once  more  in  freedom,  manifesting  by 
every  token  of  gratitude,  their  admiration  for  the  cham- 
pions of  their  liberty,  and  anxious  once  more  to  fol- 
low them  or  any  other  commanders,  in  avenging  the 
injuries,  and  adva>  cing  the  glory  of  their  beloved 
country.  Upon  such  an  occasion  as  this,  they  might 
well  give  those  tears  to  exulting  joy,  which  had  long 
been  restrained  by  indignant  grief. 

Capt.  Decatnr,  upon  the  conclusion  of  peace  with 
Tripoli,  took  his  departure,  in  the  frigate  Congress, 
from  the  M  diterranean,  in  which  he  had  served  near- 
ly four  years,  under  Commodores  Dale,  Morris,  and 
Preble.     His  fame  had  become  familiar  with  the  Pope 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  151 

and  Cardinals  of  Rome — with  Italians,  Neapolitans, 
Sicilians,  and  Sardinians,  even  before  it  was  generally 
known  in  his  own  country.  But  still  the  glory  of  his 
achievements  were  in  a  degree  understood  brfore  he 
reached  the  shores  of  the  American  Repobho. 

The  honours  already  conferred  upon  him  by  promo- 
tion over  the  heads  of  his  seniors,  by  their  voluntary 
consent — a  vote  of  thanks  for  his  skill,  valour,  and 
success,  and  the  presentation  of  a  sword  as  the  insig- 
nia of  his  gallantry,*  wer^  fully  enough  to  satisfy  a  he- 
ro of  such  consummate  mod-sty  as  Decatur.  But  the 
spontaneous  effusions  of  admiration, 

"  Bursting  uncall'd  from  ev'ry  gen'rous  heart," 

could  not  but  be  grateful  and  exhilirating  to  feelings 
like  his. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  Philadelphia,  he  immediately  re- 
paired to  the  country  residence  of  his  veteran  and  ven- 
erable father  in  the  vicinity  of  that  city.  The  inter- 
view between  such  a  father  and  such  a  son,  must  have 
been  one  of  the  most  interesting  that  can  be  conceived 
by  the  most  fertile  and  glowing  imagination.  It  most 
have  been  conducted  by  "  Thoughts  that  breathe  and 
words  that  burn."  The  father  had  lived  to  behold  one 
son  but  just  advanced  into  the  years  of  manhood,  load- 
ed with  honours  which  would  have  graced  an  aged  vet- 
eran. He  had  lived  (such  is  the  fate  of  battles  and 
the  decrees  of  heaven)  to  weep  the  fall  of  another 

*  Vide  Chap.  VIII.  It  is  believed  this  vote  of  thanks,  and  the 
present  of  a  sword  to  Decatur,  was  the  first  bestowed  upon  any 
officer  in  the  navy  since  the  conclusion  of  the  naval  warfare  with 
France. 


152  LIFE  OF 

son,  treacherously  slain.  But  this  tribute  which  na- 
ture paid  to  paternal  affection,  was  mingled  with  the 
exalted  consolation,  that  James  Decatlr  fell  in  the 
arms  of  victory,  unstained  by  a  single  act  tbat  could 
tarnish  his  escutcheon.  He  ha$  also  discovered  in  his 
son,  now  before  him,  a  display  of  paternal  attachment, 
which  led  him,  at  the  imminent  hazard  of  his  life,'  to 
avenge  the  death  of  his  son,  and  his  brother.* 

After  the  return  of  the  Mediterranean  squadron  to 
America  in  1805,  the  naval  establishment  was  material- 
ly reduced.  Many  of  the  ships  were  laid  up  in  ordina- 
ry— many  of  the  officers  retired  upon  half  pay — some 
entered  into  the  merchant  service,  as  did  tue  seamen 
generally. 

But  so  fully  convinced  was  the  government  of  the 
qualifications  of  Capt.  Decatur  to  conduct  the  affairs 
of  the  navy  in  the  peace  establishment;  that  he  was 
very  soon  ordered  to  superintend  the  Gun-Boats,  which 
had  increased  to  a  very  considerable  amou.it  at  home, 
while  our  squadron  was  absent  in  the  Mediterranean. 

As  to  the  efficacy  and  utility  of  Gun  Boats  for  at- 
tack or  defence  in  inner  harbours,  and  at  the  mouths  of 
the  numerous  navigable  streams  in  our  vastly  extensive, 
and  rapidly  extending  Republic,  the  question  will  not 
be  here  discussed.  It  has  however  been  discussed, 
and  ha*  been  settled  by  naval  character*.  The  reader 
has  seen  what  was  effected  by  only  six  Neapolitan 
Gun-Boats,  of  inferior  construction  to  those  of  our  own 
in  Tripoli  ;  and  those  acquainted  with  the^iistory  of  the 
second  war  between  America  and  Britain,  know  what 

*  See  Chap.  IX. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  153 

they  effected,  where  opportunity  offered,  during  that 
war. 

It  was  left  for  Capt.  Decatur  to  introduce  into  the 
Gun-Boats  a  system  properly  adapted  to  that  species 
of  naval  armament.  To  this  he  devoted  himself  with 
that  assiduity  which  was  in  him  a  peculiar  characteris- 
tic. 

To  a  superficial  reasoner,  the  duty  now  assigned  to 
Decatur  would  seem  to  be  a  degradation.  For  a  com- 
mander of  Frigates  to  superintend  Gun-Boats,  would 
seem  to  them,  like  an  eagle  which  had  soared  amongst 
the  clouds,  humbling  himself,  by  perching  upon  a  shrub. 
Superficial  indeed,  is  such  reasoning.  The  man  of  in- 
nate greatness,  is  never  too  exalted,  to  devote  attention 
to  things  that  are  small,  and  never  so  small,  but  that  he 
can  readily  comprehend  things  that  are  great.  Deca- 
tur in  a  Gun-Boat,  was  like  Decatur  in  a  Line-of  Bat- 
tle Ship. — He  could  not  become  small  by  being  in  a 
small  place. 

His  duty  was  now  of  such  a  nature,  as  to  afford  him 
frequent  opportunities  to  enjoy  the  accomplished  and 
refined  society  of  the  larger  towns  upon  the  sea  hoard. 
From  the  age  of  nineteen,  to  this  period  of  his  life,  he 
had  been  almost  constantly  upon  the  waves.  Except- 
ing upon  the  occasional  and  very  short  periods  he  was 
in  American  ports  he  had  been,  by  his  profession,  com- 
pletely excluded  from  all  society  excepting  that,  which 
he  found  in  his  own  ships.  More  congenial  spirits,  to 
be  sure,  could  not  be  associnted,  than  those  who  were 
there  bound  together  by  the  "threefold  cord"  of  com- 
mon toils,  common  dangers,  and  common  victories. 
Such  a  ligament  could  not  be  "  easily  broken ;"  nor  was 


154  LIFE  OP 

it  brokon  by  Decatur,  wlwn  he  entered  into  the  fash- 
ionable gircles  of  Norfolk  in  Virginia. 

It  was  no  ordinary  transition  for  an  ocean  warriour, 
like  Decatur,  to  leave  the  thundering  theatre  of  Mars, 
and  oiake  'iis  debut  amidst  (he  fascinating  blandishments 
in  the  courts  of  Venus — where  instead  of  parrying  the 
thrust  of  Turkish  spears  and  scimitars,  he  had  only  to 
ward  off  the  harmless  shafts  of  Cupid.  His  ears  which 
had  long  been  stunned  with  broadsides  and  batteries  of 
cannon,  were  now  soothed  "  with  the  .toft  lulling  of  the 
lute.''''  He  could  not  however  descend  to  thp  level  of 
the  more  effeminate  courtier  ;  and,  "albeit,  unused  to 
the  melting  mood"  he  could  not  "  pen  doleful  ballads  to 
his  mistress'  eyebrow." 

Capt.  Decatur,  although  he  had  the  polish  of  the 
dignified  gentleman,  never  divested  himself  of  the  en- 
gaging and  frank  simplicity  of  the  seaman.  His  noble 
yet  tender  heart,  had  lost  none  of  its  finer  feelings  by 
the  scenes  of  blood,  carnage  and  death,  through  which 
duty  and  courage  had  called  him  to  pass.  To  the  most 
accomplished,  elevated  and  dignified  females  of  our  Re- 
public, such  a  character  must  be  an  object  of  real  ad- 
miration. To  their  high  honour  they  have  most  un- 
hesitatingly bestowed  their  haials,  their  hearts  and  their 
fortunes  upon  such  manly  heroes.  The  surviving  offi- 
cers of  our  Navy  and  Army,  after  discharging  their  ar- 
duous duties  upon  the  ocean  and  in  the  field,  may  return 
to  their  domestic  circles  and  find  a  rich  reward  for  their 
toils  in  the  endearing  attachment  and  intelligent  society 
of  'heir  bosom  companions. 

In  monarchies,  the  marriages  in  royal  and  noble  fami- 
lies are  most  generally  mere  "  matters  of  state"  or"  bar- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  155 

gain  and  sale,'1''  A  prince  and  princess  join  in  marriage, 
more  to  unite  two  crowns  than  two  hear's.  A  duke, 
marquis,  a  d  count,  marry,  the  one  a  duchess,  the  oth- 
er a  marchioness,  and  the  last  a  countess,  to  combine 
extensive  domains  together,  and  often  find  themseives 
disjoined  forever.  They  roll  along  in  miserable  splen- 
dour through  life,  tormented  and  tormenting  to  the 
grave. 

In  our  young  and  rising  Republic,  especially  amongst 
its  gallant  and  heroic  sons,  and  its  exalted  and  refined 
daughters,  no  marriage  articles,  except  the  single  one 
of  a  mutual  exchange  of  hearts,  are  necessary.  To 
speak  of  the  marriage  of  the  generous  and  heroic  Capt. 
Decatuk,  to  the  justly  celebrated,  and  accomplished 
Miss  Wheeler  of  Norfolk  in  Virginia,  is  a  subject  too 
delicate  for  the  untutored  pen  and  the  unpractised  heart 
of  the  writer.  Without  resorting  to  the  inflated  lan- 
guage of  romance,  it  may  simply  be  said,  that  this  union 
was  the  consummation  of  mutual  bliss,  and  the  source 
of  uninterrupted  felicity  to  the  husband  and  to  the  wife, 
until  it  was  dissolved  by  the  premature  stroke  of  death. 

Capt.  Decatur  continued  in  the  superintendance  of 
the  Gun-boats,  for  a  considerable  period,  and  the  effect 
of  the  system  introduced  amongst  them  was  visible  to 
every  naval  eye.  But  he  was  shortly  to  be  removed 
from  this  service  to  another,  if  not  of  greater  impor- 
tance, certainly  of  greater  responsibility. 

The  unfortunate  occurrence,  in  the  unfortunate  fri- 
gate Chesapeake,  although  perhaps  familiar  with  most 
readers,  must  be  briefly  alluded  to,  as  it  was  connected 
with  some  of  the  most  interesting  events  of  Capt.  De- 
catur's life  ;  and  in  alluding  to  it,  the  writer  most  sen- 


156  LIFE    OF 

sibly  feels  the  delicacy  of  the  subject.  From  this  por- 
tion of  these  memoirs,  he  must  necessarily  glance  for- 
ward to  the  conclusion  ;  and  whenever  the  names  of 
Decatur  and  Barron  are  mentioned  in  relation  to  each 
other,  it  will  be  done  with  the  most  scrupulous  regard 
to  truth  ;  and  if  errors  intervene,  they  shall  not  be 
intentional.  It  is  not  the  business  of  the  biographer  to 
obtrude  his  opinions  upon  the  reader;  but  to  furnish  a 
faithful  detail  of  facts  and  occurrences  from  which  he 
can  form  one  for  himself. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  year  1806,  the  British  sai- 
lors on  board  a  prize,  ordered  for  Halifax,  rose  upon 
the  prize  officer,  conducted  her  to  an  American  port, 
and  deserted  from  the  service  of  their  country.  Some 
time  afterwards,  four  men  from  a  British  cruiser  (the 
Halifax)  lying  off  Norfolk,  Vir.  made  their  escape,  ar- 
rived at  Norfolk,  and  immediately  enlisted  under  Lieut. 
Sinclair,  and  vere  entered  on  board  the  Chesapeake, 
for  which  ship  the  Lieutenant  was  recruiting.  The 
commander  of  the  cruiser  pursued  the  men — identified 
them,  and  demanded  them  of  Lieut.  Sinclair,  who  as 
a  junior  officer,  referred  him  to  Capt.  Decatur. 

Whatever  might  have  been  the  decision  of  the  Cap- 
tain, if  he  had  had  power  to  decide  the  question,  he 
too  well  understood  his  duty  to  arrogate  to  himself  an 
authority  which  he  did  not  possess.  Lieut.  Sinclair 
was  serving  under  the  commander  of  the  Chesapeake, 
and  to  him  was  he  accountable  for  his  conduct.  Capt. 
Decatur  would  not  interfere.  The  men  were  not  sur- 
rendered. At  about  the  same  time,  four  British  sea- 
men desertecl  from  the  Melampus,  a  British  vessel,  and 
were  entered  on  board  the  Chesapeake.    Mr.  Erskine, 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  157 

the  then  British  Minister  in  America,  applied  to  the 
government  to  surrender  these  British  subjects,  as 
they  were  declared  to  be  ;  but  the  government  did  not 
interfere.  Admiral  Berkley,  then  upon  the  American 
station,  ordered  Capt.  Humphreys,  of  the  Leopard,  to 
take  these  men  by  force,  if  not  surrendered  upon  being 
claimed. 

Thus  in  brief  stood  affairs,  with  the  Chesapeake  fri- 
gate, when  in  the  month  of  June,  1807,  Comm.  Barron 
put  to  sea  in  her  as  her  commander.  Capt.  Humphreys 
fell  in  with  the  Chesapeake  at  sea  ;  and  after  hailing  her, 
sent  an  officer  on  board  with  a  letter  to  Comm.  Barren, 
containing  Admiral  Berkley's  orders,*  assuring  the  Com- 
modore that  his  duty  compelled  him  to  execute  them. 
Comm.  Barron  returned  for  answer,  that  there  were  no 
deserters  on  board  the  Chesapeake.  Capt.  Humphreys 
laid  the  Leopard  close  a-long  side  the  Chesapeake — 
hailed  her  again,  and  receiving  no  satisfactory  answer, 
the  Leopard  poured  into  her  a  full  broadside.  The 
Chesapeake  struck  her  colours  withoutfiringagun.  Two 
British  Lieutenants  and  a  number  of  Midshipmen  imme- 
diately went  on  board  the  Chesapeake — took  three  de- 
serters belonging  to  the  Melampus,  one  to  the  Hali- 
fax, and  some  American  seamen  ;  and  then  returned  to 
the  Leopard  with  them.  The  inquisitive  reader  can 
gratify  a  more  minute  curiosity  than  can  here  be  satis- 
tied,  by  perusing  the  trial  of  Comm.  James  Barron, 
which  followed  after  this  disastrous  event. 

Capt.  Decatur  was  ordered  to  supersede  Comm, 
Barron  in  the  command  of  the  Chesapeake — a  most 
painful  duty  ;  as  he  had  served  under  Comm.  Barron  in 
the  Mediterranean,  after  he  superseded  Comm.  Preble 

14 


158  LIFE  OF 

in  the  command  of  the  American  squadron  in  that  sea. 
But  it  ^as  not  for  Capt.  Decatur  to  decline  the  com- 
mand of  this  ill-fated  ship,  in  1807,  any  more  than  it 
was  for  his  favourite  friend,  Capt.  Lawrence,  in  1813, 
who  fell  gloriously  in  defending  her.  His  language  was 
— "  Don't  g;ive  up  the  ship." 

The  "  Affair  of  the  Chesapeake"  just  briefly  men- 
tioned, produced  a  ferment  through  the  whole  Repub- 
lic. From  New-Orleans  to  Canada — from  the  Atlan- 
tic to  the  waters  of  (he  Mississippi,  there  seemed  to  be 
but  one  exclamation — "■  Afy  voice  is  still  fur  war."  The 
recent  achievements  of  our  gallant  little  Navy  in  the 
Mediterranean,  under  Preble,  Decatur,  &c.  had  ren- 
dered every  keel  that  belonged  to  her,  dear  to  Ameri- 
cans. They  considered  the  Chesapeake  as  disgraced, 
and  the  fame  of  the  whole  Navy,  in  some  measure  tar- 
nished, by  this  outrageous  violation  of  our  national  dig- 
nity and  rights  upon  the  ocean.  It  was  in  vain  for  the 
British  minister,  as  the  representative  of  the  British 
crown,  to  disavow  the  act,  unless  it  was  accompanied 
with  ample  reparation  and  atonement,  for  the  injury 
and  the  disgrace. 

Commodore*  Decatur,  in  the  frigate  Chesapeake, 


*  As  this  is  the  first  time  the  appellation  of  Commodore  has 
been  attached  to  the  name  of  Decatur  in  this  work,  some  rea- 
ders may  be  led  to  suppose,  that  Commodore  is  a  title  in  the  na- 
vy, higher  than  that  of  Captain.  The  rank  of  Captain  is  the 
highest  yet  established  in  the  American  Navy.  A  Commodore  is 
the  senior  officer  in  a  squadron,  and  as  circumstances  might  hap- 
pen, may  be  a  Master-Commandant,  a  Lieutenant,  or  &  Midship- 
man. Even  Comm.  Perry  and  Coram.  Maodonough,  had  not 
been  promoted  to  Captains,  when  one  conquered  at  Erie,   and 


STEPHEN  DEGATUR. 


159 


was  ordered  to  take  the  command  of  the  Southern 
Squadron,  ft  was  impossible  for  him  to  foresee  what 
would  be  the  result  of  the  late  unwarrantable  and  out- 
rageous attack  upon  the  frigate  he  now  commanded. 
He  knew,  however,  that  a  national  ship,  when  travers- 
ing the  ocean,  was  as  sacred  as  national  territory;  and 
that  to  attack  it,  in  a  hostile  manner,  would  justify  the 
most  vigorous  defence.  He  would  never  strike  that 
flag  under  which  he  had  so  long  sailed,  and  under  which 
he  had  so  often  conquered,  unless  it  were  to  an  over- 
whelming superiority  of  force. 

From  the  period  Comm.  Decatur  entered  into  the 
command  of  the  Southern  Squadron  in  the  Chesapeake 
frigate,  until  he  was  called  upon  for  the  discharge  of 
more  important  duties,  he  devoted  himself  with  un- 
wearied vigilance  to  the  interest  of  that  portion  of  the 
yet  small  American  Navy  that  was  in  commission. 

Were  the  writer  disposed  to  swell  this  biographical 
memoir  to  three  ponderous  octavos,  as  B<?sweii  has  the 
Lifi  of  Johnson,  he  might  detail  the  numerous  minor 
incidents  -of  Comm.  Decatur's  peculiarly  interesting 
life,  in  the  pleaaing  and  interesting  scenes  of  peace. 
In  those  charming  scenes,  he  imparted  high  animation, 
and  innocent  hilarity  to  every  circle  he  honoured  by 
his  presence.  Although  the  gentleman  officer  upon  the 
quarterdeck,  he  was  "  all  thfc  gentle  mem"  in  the  par- 
lour. He  was  easy,  frank,  and  accessible  as  a  com- 
panion, and  resorted  to  every  familiarity  not  inconsis- 
tent with  personal  dignity,  to  banish  that  reserve  which 

the  other  at  Champlain.      When  afterwards   promoted,  Perry's 
commission  was  dated  10th  Sept.   1813,  and  Macdonough's  11th 
jpf.  1814.— the  days  of  their  victories. 


160 


LIFE    OF 


a  consciousness  of  bis  superiority  inspired  in  his  asso 
dates.     In  those  placid  scenes,  he  seemed  to  wish  for 
every  one  who  surrounded  him,  to  forget  what  he  had 
been,  and  to  regard  him  only  for  what  he  there  was. 

But  the  subject  paramount  to  all  other  considerations 
in  the  mind  of  Comm.  Decatur,  was,  that  of  the  Ameri- 
can Navy.  Of  that  he  never  lost  sight  ;  and  he  consid- 
ered every  other  enjoyment,  amusement  and  pleasure, 
as  secondary  to  those  he  partook  in,  when  advancing  its 
prowess,  and  seeing  its  glory  augmented. 

It  was  not  his  business  to  "  settle  the  affairs  of  the 
Republic,5'*  which  at  this  period  of  his  life  began  to 
assume  a  lowering  aspect ;  and  he  knew  too  well  the 
duty  of  a  naval  commander,  to  interfere  in  them.  He 
only  waited  for  the  orders  of  his  government,  and  held 
himself  in  constant  readiness  to  execute  them. 

The  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees  of  the  Emperor  of 
France,  and  the  Orders  in  Council  of  the  court  of  St. 
James,  produced  a  tremendous  effect  upon  the  vastly 
extended  commerce  of  America.  They  amounted  al- 
most to  a  war  of  extermination  against  American  com- 
merce, and  the  wreck  of  it  which  remained,  wa3  sunk 
by  the  embargo  laid  by  Congress  upon  American  ves- 
sels. The  "  restrictive  syste m"  was  justified  by  its  ad- 
vocates upon  the  principle  of  Lex  Talionis,  or  the  law 
of  retaliation.  What  effect  it  produced  upon  the  com- 
merce of  the  Republic,  or  what  coercion  upon  its  ene- 
mies, has  been  demonstrated  by  its  operation.  From 
1807  to  1812,  America  could  hardly  be  said  to  be  at 
peace  or  at  war  with  the  great  belligerent  powers   of 

*  Vide  Chap.  XIII. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  161 

Europe.  Good  cause  for  open  hostilities  it  had  against 
more  than  one  of  them  ;  but  the  pacific  policy  of  our 
rulers  chose  to  exhaust  the  last  efforts  ofJ\regociatio?i, 
before  they  resorted  to  the  last  evil,  a.  War. 

But  the  causes  for  war  between  America  and  Britain, 
were  constantly  accumulating  ;  and,  like  the  latent 
tires  of  ./Etna  and  Vesuvius,  increased  in  malignity  the 
longer  they  were  suppressed.  Britain  at  this  period 
was  not  only  the  greatest,  but  almost  the  only  naval 
power  in  Europe.  Nelson  had  not  <udy  conquered, 
but  he  had  nearly  annihilated  the  fleets  of  France, 
Spain,  and  Denmark  ;  and  the  only  reason  why  that  of 
the  powerful  Autocrat  of  Russia  did  not  suffer  the  same 
fate,  was,  because  his  wary  policy  dictated  to  him  not 
to  expose  it  to  certain  destruction. 

Although  distant  nations  scarcely  ranked  America 
with  naval  powers,  yet  the  proud  and  jealous  Ministers 
of  George  III.  full  well  knew  what  ine  infant  Navy  of 
the  Republic  had  accomplished  in  the  Atlantic,  at  the 
close  of  the  eighteenth,  and  in  the  Mediterranean.,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  nineteenth  century.  The 
names  of  Truxton,  Preble  and  Decatur,  reminded 
them  of  their  own  Duncan,  Jervis  and  Nelson.  Al- 
though theaBritish  government  could  not  obliterate  the 
fame  of  these  American  naval  heroes,  they  wished  to 
annihilate  the  little  Navy  in  which  they  h;id  acquired  it. 
Hence  the  rude  and  outrageous  attack  upon  th<5  frigate 
Chesapeake,  which  Decatur  now  commanded,  but 
which  he  did  not  command  when  she  surrendered.  Al- 
though the  British  government  diplomatically  disavow- 
ed the  act,  and  tendered  satisfaction  and  atonement, 
yet  it  secretly  rejoiced  that  she  became  such  an  laaj 

14  * 


162  LIFE  OF 

victim.  Her  naval  commanders  imagined  that  her  fate 
was  the  forerunner  of  that  of  every  deck  that  carried 
American  guns. 

Next  to  the  American  Navy,  amongst  the  causes  of 
British  jealousy,  was  the  almost  boundless  extent  of 
American  commerce.  Americans  for  some  years  had 
been  the  carriers  of  almost  all  the  belligerent  powers 
in  Europe  ;  and  although  Britain  herself  participated 
in  the  benefit  of  this  "  carrying  trade,"  she  could  not 
endure  that  the  Republic  should  rapidly  grow  rich  and 
powerful  by  means  of  it. 

Comm.  Decatur,  while  in  the  Chesapeake  frigate  as 
commander  of  the  Southern  squadron,  had  the  double 
duty  of  watching  British  armed  ships  constantly  hover- 
ing upon  the  American  coast,  and  enforciug  the  acts  of 
the  government  regarding  American  vessels. 


• 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  163 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Commodore  Decatur  takes  command  of  the  Frigate  United 
States — Interview  with  Capt.  John  Surnam  Garden,  in  time 
of  peace — British  Naval  Officers  on  American  station  before 
the  commencement  of  Wa) — Declaration  of  War  against  G. 
Britain — Immense  disparity  of  naval  force  between  America 
and  Britain — Comm.  Decatur  puts  to  sea  from  Nwe  York, 
June  21st  1812 — Makes  an  extensive  cruise  and  enters  the 
port  of  Boston — Sails  from  thence  8th  October — Upon  the  25th 
captures  the  frigate  Macedonian — His  official  account  of  the 
action — Length  of,  and  incidents  in  the  action — Meeting  of 
Comm.  Decatur  and  Capt.  Garden — Dreadful  slaughter 
in  the  Macedonian — Arrival  of  frigate  United  States  and  that 
ship  at  ^f.w  London — Reception  of  Flag  at  Washington- 
Arrival  at  New  York — Reception  there — Comm.  Decatur's 
humanity. 

Comm.  Decatur,  in(18 10,  was  ordered  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  frigate  United  States,  which  was  again  fit- 
ted for  sea,  and  put  in  commission.  Exhilarating  in- 
deed must  have  been  the  reflection,  that  he  was  now 
sole  commander  of  the  noble  Frigate  in  which  he  com- 
menced his  naval  career  in  the  humble  capacity  of  Mid- 
shipman. A  retrospective  view  of  the  scenes  through 
which  he  had  passed — the  variety  of  vessels  in  which 
he  had  served  and  conquered — the  numerous  comman- 
ers  whom  he  had  assiduously  obeyed  and  supported, were 
calculated  to  produce  in  his  mind  the  most  complacent 
delight. — At  the  same  time,  a  glance  into  futurity  excited 
his  deepest  solicitude.  It  was  in  his  very  nature  to 
"press  forward  to  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  his  high 


164  LIFE    OF 

calling."  The  glory  lie  had  acquired,  and  the  high 
standing  he  held  in  the  records  of  fame,  instead  of  pro- 
ducing supineness,  rather  excited  his  vigilance.  He 
kneti  that  the  character  ho  had  acquired,  must  still  be 
supported  ;  and  although  he  could  scarcely  hope  to 
surpass  the  dee<*s  he  had  already  achieved,  he  was  de- 
termined not  to  tarnish,  the  brilliancy  of  them,  by  the 
rust  of  inaction.  While  the  great  Achilles  was  supine- 
ly reposing  in  his  tent,  the  blustering  Ajax  was  exciting 
the  admiration  of  Agamemnon,  and  even  the  anxiety  of 

Hector. 

Comm.  Decator,  "  through  the  mind's  eye,"  saw  the 
storm  which  wa*  gathering,  and  even  lowering  over 
his  beloved  country.  Perfectly  well  acquainted  with 
the  power  and  the  disposition  of  the  enemy  the  Repub- 
lic wa*  to  encounter,  he  looked  forward  to  the  contest 
as  to  a  dreadful  struggle  in  which  equals  were  to  engage 
Having  one  common  origin,  but  no  longer  any  common 
inter  t  st,  v  e  knew  that  when  Americans  and  Englishmen, 
the  descendants  of  Saxons,  met  each  other  in  hostile 
array,  it  would  he  an  encounter,  fierce  in  the  extreme, 
and  would  remind  the  classical  reader  of  ancient  bat- 
tles— 

"  When  Greek  meets  Greek,  then  comes  the  tug  of  war." 

So  confident  were  the  statesmen,  who  guided  the 
destinies  of  America,  that  the  just  and  equitable  terms 
on  which  she  would  negociate,  would  eventuate  in 
peace,  that  they  were  less  vigilant  in  preparing  for  war 
than  they  would  have  been  under  a  diiferent  state  of 
things.  The  ■military  spirit  of  Americans  upon  land, 
was  almost  lost  in  the   luxuries  which  sudden  wealth 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  165 

occasions  ;  and  the  declaration  of  the  facetious  Knight 
in  regard  to  his  soldiers,  might  with  some  propriety  be 
applied  to  ours. — "  They  were  the  cankers  of  a  dull 
world  and  a  long  peace" — and  although  they  might  af- 
ford "  food  for  powder  and  fill  a  pit"  they  were  little 
calculated  at  once,  to  meet  the  veterans  who  had  re- 
cently conquered  Portuguese,  Spaniards  and  French- 
men ;  hence  the  disasters  of  the  army,  in  the  campaigns 
of  1812  and  13,  which  awakened  that  martial  fire  that 
went  on  "  conquering  and  to  conquer"  in  Id  14. 

The  rererse  of  this  picture  may  well  apply  to  the 
gallant  little  American  Navy.  Although  from  1805  to 
the  commencement  of  the  second  war  between  the 
Republic  and  Britain,  but  a  small  portion  of  it  was  in 
commission,  or  in  service,  the  whole  of  it  was,  at  all 
times,  in  prime  order.  The  vigilance  of  the  Navy  De- 
partment, although  it  could  not  extend,  it  nevertheless 
preserved,  our  few  ships,  and  kept  them  in  constant 
readiness  for  any  emergency.  What  was  still  more  im- 
portant, Comm.  Decatur,  and  the  rest  of  the  Post- 
Captains  who  were  retained  in  service,  would  not  per- 
mit the  Naval  spirit  to  slumber. 

Bainbridge,  Rodgers,  Porter,  Hull,  Stewart,  Jones, 
Lawrence,  Biddle,  Morris,  Macdonnough,  Perry, 
Chaunccy,  and  ;r?any  other  gallant  and  accomplished 
officers,  were  in  the  bosom  of  the  country,  ready  at  a 
moment's  warning  to  enter  again  into  its  naval  service. 

The  seamen  too,  who  had  -*  rvH  under  them,  were 
ready  and  anxious  to  fly  instantly  to  their  standards 
when  called. 

Comm.  Decatur,  after  he  took  the  command  of  the 
frigate  United  States,  visited  most  of  the  naval  ports. 


166  LIFE    OF 

His  ship  was  the  rallying  point  of  the  Navy,  ami  his 
presence  infused  animation  into  the  bosom  of  every  of- 
ficer and  seaman  who  enjoyed  his  society.  With  acute 
penetration  he  discovered  every  error,  in  every  spe- 
cies of  naval  armament,  and  with  matchless  skill,  and 
"  modest  assurance,"  applied  the  corrective. 

Those  kind  of  courtesies  and  civilities  which  gene- 
rally are  interchanged  between  civil  naval  officers,  be. 
longing  to  different  nations  at  peace  with  each  other, 
took  place  between  Coram.  Decatur  aud  the  British  na- 
val officers  upon  the  American  station.  One  of  the  in- 
terviews which  parsed,  is  too  engaging  to  be  omitted. 
Capt.  JohnS.  Carden,  afterwards  the  gallant  and  brave 
commander  of  the  frigate  Macedonian,  happened  to  en- 
joy one  of  those  interesting  interviews  with  Coram. 
Decatur.  "  Commodore,"  said  the  Captain,  "  we  now 
meet  as  friends,  and  Govl  grant  we  may  never  meet  as 
enemies  ;  but  we  are  subject  to  the  orders  of  our  go- 
vernments, and  must  obey  them." — "  I  heartily  recip- 
rocate the  sentiment,"  said  the  ingenuous  Decatur. 
"  But,"  said  Carden,  (with  that  refined  and  elegant 
irony  which  one  gentleman  can  practise  upon  another 
without  offence)  "  suppose,  in  the  course  of  events, 
we  should  meet  as  enemies,  what,  Sir,  do  you  imagine 
would  be  the  consequences  to  yourself,  and  to  the  force 
you  should  command."  "  Why,  Sir,"  said  the  hero 
of  the  Mediterranean  (giving  full  credit  to  the  gallantry 
of  Carden,  without  forgetting  what  was  due  to  his  own 
character)  "  if  we  should  meet  with  forces  which  might 
fairly  be  called  equal,  the  conflict  would  undoubtedly 
be  a  severe  one  ;  but  the  flag  of  my  country  should  ne- 
ver leave  the  staff  from  which  it  waved,  as   long  as 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  167 

there  was  a  hull  to  support  it."  With  what  exquisite 
delight  must  these  dauntless  warriours  have  contem- 
plated each  other?  characters,  after  the  frank  expres- 
sion of  such  exalted  sentiments  ?  Over  a  vast  expanse 
of  ocean  from  the  place  of  this  interview,  these  men 
of  inflexible  honour,  and  unparalleled  heroism,  again 
met  upon  the  deck  of  the  frigate  Unked  States  :  but 
this  belongs  to  a  future  part  of  these  Sketches. 

Had  all  the  British  ships,  which  for  years  previous 
to  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  were  hovering  up- 
on the  American  coast,  had  such  commanders  as  Capt. 
Carden,  the  frigate  Chesapeake  would  never  have  been 
disgraced  by  Humphreys  of  the  Leopard;  and  Bing. 
ham  of  the  Little  Belt  would  not  have  owed  his  exist- 
ence to  the  sparing  mercy  of  Comm.  Rodgers  of  the 
frigate  President.  Many  of  these  little  great  British 
officers,  who  owed  their  greatness  to  the  reflections  of 
a  beam  from  the  lustre  of  Nelson's  sjorv — 

"  Dress'd  up  in  a  little  brief  authority— 

"  Most  confident  of  what  they  were  least  assured 

"Play'd  most  fantastic  tricks  before  high  heaven"— 

and  although,  to  pursue  the  quotation,  they  might  not 
have  "  made  the  angels  weep';  they  excited  the  indig- 
nation of  their  own  more  dignified  countrymen,  and  the 
sovereign  contempt  of  such  men  as  Rodgers  and  De- 
catur, who  well  understood  their  characters.  While 
Americans  are  ever  prompt  to  pay  due  respect  to  the 
merits  of  Hotham,  Hardy,  and  Carden,  even  though 
enemies,  they  feel  an  ineffable  disgust  at  such  beings  as 
Humphreys  and  Bingham — Cockburn,  Beresford,  and 


168  LIFE   OF 

Stackpoie.  Lest  this  language  should  be  deemed  acri- 
monious and  unauthorised,  I  would  just  remind  the 
reader  again,  that  Humphreys  attacked  the  frigate 
Chesapeake,  and  Bingham  the  frigate  President,  in 
lime  of  peace — that  Cockburn  violated  every  principle 
of  civilized  warfare  on  the  borders  of  Chesapeake  bay, 
and  applied  the  torch  to  the  Capitol,  President's  house 
and  national  library  at  Washington — that  Beresford 
stripped  the  gallaut  Jones  and  his  crew  almost  naked, 
when  his  74  took  the  little  Wasp  of  18  guns — and  that 
the  blustering  Stackpoie,  in  the  Statira,  of  44  declined, 
on  fair  and  equal  grounds,  to  fight  Capt.  Jones  when  he 
commanded  the  Macedonian,  in  time  of -war.  It  ought 
to  be  the  motto  of  every  impartial  historian  and  biog- 
rapher :   "Judex  damnatur,  cum  nocens  absolvitur." 

Passing  over  numerous  interesting  incidents  in  the 
life  of  Comm.  Decatur,  of  minor  importance  however, 
we  now  approach  to  that  period  when  the  constituted 
authorities  of  the  American  Republic,  having  resorted 
to  evejy  measure  consistent  with  the  national  dignity 
to  avoid  an  "  appeal  to  arms  ;"  and  publishing  to  the 
world  a  manifesto,  detailing  the  causes  for  the  impor- 
tant measure  ;  declared  that  war  existed  between  the 
United  States  of  America  and  the  United  Kingdom  of 
Great  Britain.  It  was  not  for  the  officers  and  seamen 
of  the  Navy,  nor  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Army  to 
discuss  the  question,  whether  this  declaration  was 
founded  in  justice,  necessity,  or  expediency;  and  al- 
though the  ardent  political  partizan,  in  the  fervour  of 
misguided  zeal,  might  declare  it  to  be  unjast  unnecessa- 
ry, wicked,  and  unnatural,  it  was  the   business  of  the 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  1G9 

Navy  to  sustain  the  national  rights  and  honor  upon  the 
ocean,  and  of  the  Army  to  protect  and  defend  our  terri- 
tory against  every  hostile  invader.  The  19th  of  June, 
1812  forms  an  era  in  our  history  little  less  important 
than  the  4th  of  July  1776.  It  called  upon  the  patriotic 
sons  of  the  Republic  to  maintain  that  independence 
which  was  proclaimed  by  that  venerable  body  of  gigan- 
tic statesmen,  the  "  Old  Congress,"  and  which  was  es- 
tablished by  the  best  blood  that  ever  flowed  in  man. 

The  effect  this  declaration  had  upon  Comm.  Deca- 
tur, and  the  matchless  band  of  his  brother  officers  and 
seamen,  was  suddenly  developed.  In  every  naval 
port,  and  upon  every  deck  that  mounted  a  gun,  were 
heard  the  rapid  <k  notes  of  dreadful  preparation." 

Never,  since  the  discovery  of  the  magnetic  needle 
had  covered  oceans  with  merchantmen  of  almost  bound- 
less wealth,  and  armed  ships  of  often  resistless  power, 
was  a  contest  entered  into  between  rival  nations  upon 
the  watery  element  with  such  an  immense  disparity  of 
force.  The  list  of  the  naval  force  of  Britain,  from 
1812,  when  war  commenced,  to  1815,  when  it  ended, 
numbered  from  seven  hundred  and  fifty  to  one  thousand 
sail — from  first  rates  of  120  guns  to  Schooners.  There 
was  not  a  ship  belonging  to  any  power  in  Asia,  Africa 
or  Europe  that  presumed  to  raise  a  hostile  flag  against. 
them.  To  annihilate  the  handful  cf  American  ships, 
it  was  concluded  by  British  officers  it  was  only  necessa- 
ry to  find  them. 

Let  the  table  be  reversed,  and  the  American  naval 
force  in  1812  will  appear  to  that  of  Britain,  like  a  wait 
to  a  mountain.     "  Look  upon  this  picture  and  upon  that.'''' 

15 


170  LIFE  OF 

The  whole  force  which  Comm.  Decatur  and  his  associ- 

ates  had  at  command  was  : — 


Oneida 

Syren  }  16 

Argus 

Enterprize 

Rattlesnake 

Nautilus 

vixen 

Viper  12 

Vixen  8 


14 


18 


"United  States 
Constitution 
President 
Constellation 
Congress  }>  36 

Chesapeake 
Essex 
Adams 
John  Adams 
Louisiana 
Hornet 
Wasp 
Brig  Adams 

This  little  catalogue  of  ships  ought  to  be  in  the  me- 
mory of  every  lover  of  American  greatness  ;  and  al- 
though the  whole  of  them  carried  less  weight  of  metal 
than  would  have  "  the  six  Seventy-Fours"  once  ordered 
to  be  built  by  the  government,  yet  their  achievements 
in  the  progress  of  the  war,  inflicted  a  wound  upon  the 
enemy  which  will  never  be  healed,  and  shed  rays  of 
glory  upon  the  American  character  which  will  never 
be  obscured. 

It  surely  must  excite  the  astonishment  as  well  as  the 
admiration  of  the  reader,  that  Comm.  Decatur,  every 
officer  and  every  seaman  on  board  the  frigate  United 
States,  was  in  complete  readiness  to  weigh  anchor,  and 
actually  sailed  from  New  York,  21st  June,  within  forty- 
eight  hours  after  the  declaration  of  war  was  made  at  the 
seat  of  government,  and  one  hour  after  he  received  the 
intelligence.  The  good  wishes  of  every  patriot  heart, 
and  the  fervent  prayers  of  every  sincere  Christian,  in 
the  immense  throng  that  witnessed  his  departure,  fol- 
lowed him  and  his  ship's  company,  as  they  wafted  off 
into  the  Atlantic  ocean. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  171 

He  now  entered  into  a  new  theatre  of  action,  and  was 
approaching  into  a  contest,  with  to  him  a  new  enemy. 
He  had  witnessed  the  conquests  of  the  little  American 
squadron  over  the  naval  forces  of  France  in  the  warfare 
with  that  power  in  the  administration  of  Adams.  He 
had  himself  been  the  most  prominent  and  distinguished 
leader  in  the  brilliant  and  unsurpassed  victories  in  the 
Mediterranean,  over  Tripoli,  in  the  administration  of 
Jefferson.  But  he  was  now,  (in  the  administration  of 
Madison.)  to  enter  into  a  contest  with  the  ocean-vvar- 
riours  of  Britain,  who,  so  fnr  from  acknowledging  any 
human  beings  that  traversed  the  ocean  as  their  equals, 
smiled  at  the  idea  that  any  should  presume  to  oppose 
them. 

Better  understanding  the  nature  of  naval  service  than 
to  suppose  that,  because  Americans  had  conquered 
Frenchmen  and  Tripolitans,  they  could,  of  course,  con- 
quer Britons,  his  utmost  solicitude  was  excited  ;  and, 
after  commencing  his  cruise,  he  assiduously  endeavour- 
ed to  impress  upon  the  officers  and  seamen  of  his  ship, 
the  magnitude  and  importance  of  the  service  upon 
which  they  had  entered.  In  his  First  Lieutenant,  W. 
H.  Allen,  he  recognized  the  perfect  seaman,  and  noticed, 
with  admiration,  the  accuracy  and  precision  with  which 
he  disciplined  the  crew.  Instead  of  reposing  in  his 
cabin,  and  suffering  that  ennui  which  listlessness  pro- 
duces, Comm.  Decatur  was  constantly  on  the  alert. 
He  did  not  assume  that  affected  greatness  which  ren- 
ders an  officer  indifferent  to  the  minutia  of  duty  ;  but 
possessed  that  real  greatness  which  led  him  to  attend 
to  the  smallest,  and  readily  to  comprehend  the  greatest 
concerns    of  his  ship.     Although  he  was  sailing  in  a 


172  LIFE  OF 

squadron  under  the  command  of  Comm.  Rodgers,  he 
made  his  ship  his  own  province,  and  felt  himself  exclu- 
sively responsible  for  her  management. 

The  first  cruise  of  the  frigate  United  States  was  a 
very  extensive  one.  She  was  off  the  English  Channel 
— along  the  coast  of  France,  Spain  and  Portugal,  to 
within  thirty  miles  of  the  rock  of  Lisbon.  She  made 
the  island  of  Madeira,  and  laid  off  Cora  and  Floros. 
She  cruised  along  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  the  coast 
of  Nova  Scotia  ;  indeed  she  traversed  those  portions 
of  the  Atlantic  where  there  was  the  greatest  probabili- 
ty of  making  an  impression  upon  British  commerce  ; 
and,  what  was  more  urgently  desired  by  her  comman- 
der, to  try  her  metal  with  an  equal  British  force.  Al- 
though a  number  of  prizes  and  prisoners  were  taken, 
the  frigate  United  States  returned  with  the  squadron, 
without  having  signalized  herself  any  otherwise  than 
by  the  daring  cruise  she  had  made,  in  the  very  face  of 
the  enemy,  and  by  enabling  an  immense  number  of 
American  merchantmen  to  return  home  richly  laden. 

But  superior  joys  were  in  store  for  him  upon  hi* 
arrival.  The  achievements  of  his  gallant  and  admired 
friend,  Capt.  Hull  ;  and  no  less  gallant  Lieut.  Morris, 
who  was  next  to  his  right  arm  in  the  destruction  of  the 
frigate  Philndelphia,  imparted  a  rapture  to  his  heart, 
little  less  exhilarating  than  if  he  had  achieved  an  equal 
deed  himself.  When  he  beheld  the  Flag  of  the  Gurriere 
in  the  hands  of  his  Mediterranean  comrades,  who,  with 
him,  had  so  often  made  the  Turkish  Crescent  bow,  the 
measure  of  his  delight  was  full.  When  next  he  saw 
the  Flag  of  the  Alert  in  the  possession  of  the  gallant  Por- 
ter, who  was  rescued  from  Turkish   bondage  by  his 


STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


65 


desperation.  She  again  struck  ;  and  when  Capt.  Ster- 
rettwas  approaching  her,  it  was  a  third  time  renewed. 
The  indignation  manifested  by  the  captain  and  crew  is 
indescribable.  I  left  my  station  as  purser  of  the  ship, 
was  handing  cartridges  to  the  man,  and  distinctly  heard 
the  Captain  exclaim,  '"  Sink  the  damned  treacherous 
creatures  to  the  bottom"  The  slaughter  becwiie 
dreadful  on  board  the  corsair,  and  the  commander  pros- 
trated himself  on  the  side  of  his  ship,  and,  with  his  own 
hands  flung  his  own  flag  into  the  sea.  Capt.  Sterrett, 
being  instructed  not  to  make  any  prize,  from  his  quar- 
ter deck,  ordered  the  perfidious  Turk  to  throw  all  his 
guns,  ammunition  and  arms  of  every  kind  into  the  sea, 
and  tell  his  master  this  was  the  only  tribute  he  would 
ever  after  receive  from  Americans." 

Such  was  the  interesting  relation  of  a  spectator  and 
an  actor  in  this  first  and  signal  victory  of  an  American 
ship  over  a  barbarian  corsair.  Its  authenticity  cannot 
be  doubted,  as  it  is  confirmed  in  all  the  material  circum- 
stances, by  the  publications  of  that  period.  While  the 
reader  feels  indignant  at  the  perfidy  of  the  Tripolitans, 
he  cannot  doubt  their  desperate  courage  in  this  bloody 
conflict.  But  the  consequences  to  the  vanquished  bar- 
barians, when  they  returned  into  port,  shows  the  dif- 
ference between  an  humane  and  generous  nation,  and 
a  despotic,  and  vindictive  power.  The  former  would 
receive,  even  with  applause,  a  defeated  commander 
who  had  bravely  defended  his  ship.  Not  so  with  the 
ferocious  descendants  of  Ishmael,  whose  hands  pre 
against  every  man,  not  only  against  all  the  rest  of  .-nan- 
kind,  but  against  their  own  inhuman  clan.  The  bashaw 
of  Tripoli  would  rather  approve  than  condeLr*  the  per- 

6  * 


66 


LIFE    OF 


fidy  of  his  captain  towards  Capt.  Sterrett— but  to  be 
conquered  by  a  Christian — to  strike  the  flag  of  Mahom- 
et to  a  sect,  deemed  by  him  as  only  dogs,  could  not  be 
endured.  The  miserable  and  forlorn  commander, 
without  even  the  form  of  a  trial,  with  his  wounds  still 
bleeding,  received  five  hundred  bastinadoes,  and  was 
compelled  to  ride  through  the  streets  upon  an  ass  to 
excite  the  furious  contempt  of  the   enraged  populace. 

This  victory,  although  it  might  now  be  deemed  a  tri- 
fle, when  compared  with  the  tremendous  conflicts  which 
have  since  given  so  many  victories  to  American  fleets 
and  ships,  was  nevertheless  of  immense  importance  to 
our  country.  Such  consternation  was  produced  by  the 
loss  of  the  corsair,  and  the  terrible  punishment  ofthe 
commander,  that  the  alarmed  Tripolitans  deserted  the 
corsairs  fitted  for  sea,  nor  could  crews  be  found  to  sup- 
ply those  which  were  preparing  for  service.  This 
first  victory  of  Sterrett  and  his  crew  produced  an  ef- 
fect upon  Tripolitans,  even  greater  than  Hull's  first 
victory  did  upon  Englishmen. 

While  Captain  Sterrett  was  thus  signalizing  himself 
in  a  contest  with  barbarians,  Decatur,  as  fiivt  Lieuten- 
ant of  the  Essex,  was  compelled  to  perform  the  duty- 
belonging  to  a  mere  blockading  ship.  He  was  too  gen- 
erous to  envy  this  gallant  champion  the  laurels  he  had 
gained  by  his  valour  ;  but  he  ardently  wished  for  an 
opportunity  to  emulate  his  valiant  deeds  by  his  own 
achievements. 

Decatur  was  in  the  situation  of  one  of  the  ancient 
berd\S — "  Compelled  to  perform  his  duty,  yet  anxious  to 
gratifytyis  inclination."  It  is  undoubtedly  a  most  for- 
tunate ciKumstance  for  the  naval  glory  of  our  country. 


\ 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  67 

that  our  early  commanders  in  the  navy  exercised  cau- 
tion in  avenging  the  injuries  received  from  our  ene- 
mies upon  the  ocean.  Had  rashness  marked  their 
measures,  they  might  indeed  have  shared  with  the  glo- 
ry of  those  who  have  gloriously  fallen  in  "  unequal 
combat ;"  but  this  would  have  secured  no  lasting  ben- 
efit to  their  country  in  whose  cause  they  had  embark- 
ed, and  whose  permanent  interest  it  was  their  duty  to 
pursue.  Furthermore,  the  commanders  of  armies  and 
of  fleets  have  no  right,  wantonly,  to  sacrifice  the  lives 
of  the  men,  who  have  either  voluntarily  or  coercively 
been  placed  under  their  command.  Men  are  not  am- 
munition to  be  expended  at  the  pleasure  of  an  ambi- 
tious leader,  who  might  gain  applause  by  sacrificing 
them  as  victims  to  his  unhallowed  ambition.  Commo- 
dore Dale  knew  too  well  the  amount  of  his  force  to  ad- 
vance into  a  contest  where  so  many  chances  were 
against  him.  Had  he  commanded  the  force  which  one 
of  his  successors,  Preble,  afterwards  commanded,  his 
name  might  now  be  as  glorious  as  his.  But  he  accom- 
plished the  great  object  of  his  government  in  sending 
him,  with  the  first  American  squadron  into  the  Mediter- 
ranean— the  protection  of  American  commerce  in  that 
sea.  One  of  his  officers,  Capt.  Sterrett,  commanding 
the  Enterprise,  was  compelled  to  fight  his  ship  single 
handed  ;  and  he  did  it  to  admiration.  Had  Decatur 
been  placed  in  his  situation,  he  would  have  displayed 
the  same  courage  ;  but  he  <vas  reserved  for  a  future 
display  of  that  noblest  of  virtues. 

Commodore  Dale,  having  accomplished  the  object 
for  which  he  was  dispatched  with  his  squadron  to  the 
Mediterranean,  returned  with  it  to  America.      Lieut 


68  LIFE  OF 

Decatur  returned  in  the  Essex  ;  and  was  received  by 
his  friends  and  countrymen  with  those  demonstrations 
of  respect  which  might  be  expected  from  the  charac- 
ter he  had  previously  established.  He  had  made  his 
entry  upon  the  theatre  of  his  future  glory.  He  had 
received  occular  demonstration  of  the  predominant 
sentiment  of  the  Mahometans  of  Africa — inveterate 
malice  against  his  countrymen,  and  a  determination,  if 
within  their  power,  to  extirpate  Americans  from  that 
sea  upon  which  an  immense  portion  of  their  commerce 
was  carried  on.  H3  had  made  farther  advances  in  his 
favorite  profession,  and  had  studied  the  character  of  the 
ferocious  enemv  he  had  afterwards  to  encounter. 

The  American  government  had  made  no  essential 
additions  to  its  navy  in  the  absence  of  Decatur — that  is, 
to  that  part  of  it  which  was  calculated  for  distant  expe- 
ditions. Not  a  hull  of  a  Seventy-four  had  yet  been  laid, 
and  not  a  single  frigate  had  yet  been  added  to  the  little 
gallant  American  navy.  Although  as  previously  men- 
tioned, provision  had  been  made  for  building  six  line  of 
battle  ships,  aud  the  materials  partialiy  collected,  the 
national  authorities  did  not  then  see  tit  to  prosecute  this 
noble  endeavour  to  afford  this  mode  of  protection  for 
American  commerce  and  American  territory.  Nation- 
al economy  was  then,  as  it  ever  ought  to  be,  the  fash- 
ionable doctrine.  That  little,  stinted  economy  which 
will  sacrifice  a  future,  although  an  almost  certain  good, 
to  save  a  little  present  expense,  is  by  no  means  meaned 
here  ;  hut  that  economy  which  was  calculated  to  save 
the  Republic  from  that  never-ending,  that  constantly 
increasing,  that  load  of  taxes,  which  tears  from  the 
haird   earnings  of  patient  industry,  almost  its    whole 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  177 


}> 

5 


"  So  that  I  can  draw  a  share  of  the  prize  money,  Sir 
answered  the  young  hero.  His  request  was  granted  ; 
after  the  Macedonian  struck,  the  Commodore  called  the 
lad  to  him — "  Well  Bill,  we  have  laken  her,  and  your 
share  of  the  prize,  if  we  get  her  safe  in,  may  he  about 
$200 — what  will  you  do  with  it  ?" — "  I'll  send  half  of 
it  to  my  mother,  Sir,  and  the  other  half  shall  send  me 
to  school."  Delighted  with  a  spirit  so  noble,  and  yet 
so  affectionate,  he  took  the  fine  little  fellow  into  his  pro- 
tection— obtained  for  him  a  Midshipman's  warrant — at- 
tended to  hi-  education — and  he  now  bids  fair  to  emu- 
late and  possibly  to  equal  the  achievements  of  his  noble 
patron., 

In  the  hottest  of  the  engagement,  and  at  the  moment 
the  mizen  mast  of  the  Macedonian  went  by  the  board, 
a  seaman  actively  engaged  in  working  his  gun,  exclaim- 
ed to  his  comrades — ll  Aye,  aye,  we  have  made  a  Brig 
of  her."  Being  overheard  by  the  Commodore,  he 
said,  "Well  my  boys,  take  good  sight  at  your  object, 
and  she  will  soon  be  a  sloop  ;  and  immediately  turning 
to  ancther  gunner,  said — "  My  good  fellow,  aim  at  the 
yellow,"  [a  stripe  in  the  Macedonian  between  wind  and 
water]  "  her  rigging  is  going  fast  enough  ;  she  must 
have  a  little  more  hulling."  A  favourite  comrade  of  one 
of  the  seamen  having  fallen  desperately  woun  led  by 
his  side,  he  exclaimed,,  "  ah  my  poor  fellow,  I  must  at- 
tend to  the  enemy  a  few  minutes  longer — his  colours 
must  soon  come  down  ;  and  then  1  will  attend  to  you" 
— "  Let  me  live  till  1  b ear  that"  said  the  agonized  hero, 
"and  1  sh  1!  want  atte  ;fion  from  nobody." 

That  admirable  seaman,  1st  Lieut.  W.  H.  Allen,  in 
this  action,  beheld  the  practical  result  ut  tne  discipline 


178  LIFE  OF 

he  had  introduced  into  this*  noble  ship,  and  unrivalled 
crew,  and  which  occasioned  Cofnna.  Decatur's  high 
commendation.  So  rapid  was  the  firing,  and  so  com- 
pletely was  the  frigate  at  one  time  enveloped  in  fire 
and  smoke,  that  the  crew  of  the  Macedonian  gave  three 
cheers,  supposing  her  to  be  on  fire.  Their  cheers 
were  soon  converted  to  groans  by  the  thickening  mes- 
sengers of  death  which  poured  into  their  ill  fated  ship. 
After  the  Macedonian  struck  her  colours,  and  her 
commander  ascended  the  quarter  deck  of  the  United 
States,  a  scene  peculiarly  affecting  followed.  With  a 
dignified  grace,  he  approached  Comm.  Decatur  and  of- 
fered him  his  sword.  With  a  benign  suavity,  and  a 
manner  wholly  unassuming,  the  Commodore  said,  4i  Sir, 
I  cannot  receive  the  sword  of  a  man  who  has  so  bravely 
defended  his  ship,  but  I  will  receive  your  hand."  It 
was  the  hand  of  Capt.  John  Surnam  Garden,  with  whom 
he  had  the  interesting  interview  mentioned  in  a  prece- 
ding chapter.  Upon  recognizing  each  othpr,  silence 
was  the  mo?t  impressive  eloquence.  The  for'une  of 
battles  had  placed  one  gallant  hero  in  the  hands  of 
another  ;  and  they  steadfastly  looked  at  each  other 
with  those  kind  of  fet  lings  which  would  be  disgraced  by 
any  description.  The  affable  grace  of  Comm.  Deca- 
tur, p'jt  the  gallant  Carden  as  much  at  ease  as  a  con- 
quered hero  could  b°  placed  in  the  hour  of  defeat.  He 
had  left  his  ship  almost  a  complete  wreck,  and  could 
discover  but  little  of  the  effects  of  the  severe  conflict 
in  the  frigate  that  had  so  effectually  conquered  her. 
The  Macedonian,  when  she  struck,  was  in  a  state  little 
better  than  that  of  the  Gurriere,  Java  and  Peacock; 
the  last  of  which  sunk  even   before  the  whole  crew 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  179 

:ould  be  taken  out,  and  the  two  others  were  abandon- 
ed by  the  captors  and  sunk. 

Bit  the  injury  done  to  the  ship  is  forgotten  when  the 
daughter  made  amoi gst  the  crew  is  considered.  An 
officer  of  the  frigate  United  States,  besides  communi- 
cating many  other  interesting  particulars,  thus  express- 
es himself: — "  After  securing  our  prisoners,  I  was  sent 
on  board  the  prize  to  assist  in  fitting  her  out,  which  we 
did  in  a  few  days  under  jury-masts.  I  assure  you  the* 
scene  she  exhibited  just  after  the  action,  was  distress- 
ing to  humanity.  Fragments  of  the  dead  were  distribu- 
ted in  every  direction — the  decks  covered  with  blood-r- 
one continued  agonizing  yell  of  the  unhappy,  wounded 
victims  : — a  scene  so  horrible  of  my  fellow  creatures,  I 
assure  you,  deprived  me  very  much  of  the  pleasure  of. 
victory." 

It  will  be  recollected  that  the  official  report  states 

the  killed  on  board  the  Macedonian  to  be  36 — wounded 

— 68.     Fifty-three  of  the  wounded   died  afterwards  of 

their  wounds  ;  making  89  in  the  whole  ; — more  lives 

than  were  lost    by  the  Americans  in  all  their  battles 

with  the   Trip.olitans  !  And,  what  will  astonish  every 

reader,  who  has  not,  like  the  writer,  critically  examined 

every  official  report  to  ascertain  the  fact — this  loss  of 

human  lives  on  board  the  Macedonian,  by  instant  death 

or  wounds  which  proved  mortal,  was  greater  than  that 

of  the  Americans  in  every  one  of  the  actions  between 

single  ships,  where  victories  were  won  5  and  also  in 

the  victory  upon  Lake  Erie,  during  the  war  with  Great 

Britain  !  Equally  astonishing  is  it  that  this  loss  is  only 

six  less  than  that  sustained  by  the  Essex,  of  32  guns,  in 

the  unparalleled  contest  with  the  frigate  Phoebe  of  36 — 


180  LIFE    OF 

and  sloop  of  war  Cherub,  of  28 — of  the  President  44 
with  the  Majestic  (razee)  frigates  Endymion,  Pomone, 
Tenedos,  and  brig  Despatch — and  of  the  Argus  of  18 
with  the  Pelican  of  21  guns  ! — 

An  important  duty  jet  remained  for  Comm.  Decatur 
to  perform — to  conduct  his  ship  and  his  shattered  prize 
over  an  immense  and  wide  spread  ocean,  tilled,  in  al- 
most every  direction,  with  vigilant  and  powerful  ene- 
mies, and  to  reach  an  American  port.  Although  the 
uniform  courtesy  and  hospitality  of  the  Commodore, 
made  Capt.  Carden  "  forget  that  he  was  a  prisoner," 
yet  he  might  well  hope  to  be  recaptured  ;  and  see  the 
frigate  United  States,  with  the  Macedonian,  entering  a 
British  port.  But  another  destiny  awaited  the  perse- 
vering Decatur.  It  was  for  him  to  carry  into  port  the 
first  British  frigate  ever  captured  by  a  single  frigate  ; 
and  it  was  for  the  little  town  of  New  London,  in  Con- 
necticut, to  be  the  first  to  welcome  the  returning  con- 
queror, with  the  trophy  of  his  victory. 

He  entered  that  port  upon  the  4th  day  of  December, 
1812,  with  the  frigate  United  States  in  prime  order; 
and  the  noble  Macedonian  which  exhibited  occular  de- 
monstration that  "  ske  had  seen  service."  Although 
once  amongst  the  newest,  and  by  all  acknowledged  the 
Jirst  rate  frigate  in  the  whole  of  the  immense  navy  of 
Britain,  ^he  now  belonged  to  the  "  Navy  List"  of  Ame- 
rica. The  arrival  of  Comm  Decatur  called  forth  eve- 
ry demonstrntion  of  joy  that  could  be  evinced  by  the 
patriotic  citizens  of  New-London.  That  town  and  its 
vicinity,  had  always  been  a  victim  to  British  rapacity, 
ever  since  the  British  crown  commenced  the  trade  of 
war  upon  Americans.     Its  citizens  now  had  before  their 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  181 

eyes  one  evidence  at  least,  that  the  claws  of  the  British 
Lion  might  be  rendered  harmless  by  the  talons  of  the 
American  Eagle. 

But  little  room  can  be  spared  for  notices  of  the  nu- 
merous and  flattering  evidences  of  joy,  evinced  at  the 
arrival  of  Comm.  Decatur  at  New-London.  The  May- 
or, Aldermen,  and  Common  Council  of  that  Gity,  pre- 
sented him  their  thanks.  They  could  offer  no  higher 
proof  of  their  admiration.  A  splendid  ball  was  given 
in  honour  of  the  laurelled  hero.  He  was  charmed, 
again  to  witness  the  scenes  of  innocent  festivity  ;  but 
the  fascinating  tones  of  the  violin,  and  the  changes  and 
promenades  of  graceful  nymphs,  were  no  more  pleas- 
ing to  him,  than  the  shrill  sound  of  the  Boatswain's 
pipe,  calling  all  hands,  and  the  animating  thrill  of  the 
bugle,  summoning  to  the  battles  of  his  country. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  New-London,  he  immediately 
dispatched  one  of  his  accomplished  and  brave  Lieuten- 
ants, Mr.  Hamilton,  to  Washington,  with  the  flag  of 
the  Macedonian,  and  his  despatches.  Lieut.  Hamilton 
arrived  at  the  metropolis  upon  the  evening  of  the  8th 
December.  A  more  happy  combination  of  circum- 
stances cannot  be  imagined.  It  was  upon  the  evening 
of  a  ball  given  in  honour  of  the  naval  officers  general- 
ly, and  more  particularly  to  one  of  the  first  of  that 
gallant  band,  Capt.  Charles  Stewart.  Not  only  the 
beauty  and  fashion  of  the  city,  but  much  of  the  patri- 
otism and  talents  of  the  Republic  were  drawn  together 
upon  the  joyous  occasion.  The  graces  were  presiding 
over  the  festivities  of  the  hall,  and  directing  the  move- 
ments of  the  "  mazy  dance."  A  whisper  ran  rapidly 
through  the  party,  like  a  shock  of  electricity  around 

16 


Jo2  LIFE    OF 

a  combined  circie.  It  was  sudden! y  announced  that 
another  iiz.g  of  a  British  Ship  of  War  had  been  brought 
to  the  city.  Every  heart  was  palpitating  with  joy,  and 
"  forgot  its  previous  raptures."  The  party  dismissed 
their  delightful  amusements,  and  waited  for  the  "  full 
fruition  of  joy."  It  was  incipient  joy  when  Lieut.  Ha- 
milton entered  the  hall — it  was  joy  consummated,  when 
the  nobie  Capts  Hull  and  Stewart  triumphantly  bore  the 
flag  of  the  Macedonian  through  the  enraptured  assembly, 
and  presented  it  to  the  dignified  and  elevated  Mrs.  Ma- 
dison who  was  present.  Those  who  had  not  the  hap- 
piness to  witness  this  scene  may — 

" Talk  of  beauties  that  they  never  saw, 


And  fancy  raptures  that  they  nevel  knew." 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 
his  wife  and  daughter,  were  also  present,  and  passed 
the  embraces  of  the  father,  the  mother,  and  the  sister, 
with  Lieut.  Hamilton.  Assembled  around  the  festive 
board,  one  of  the  managers  gave  for  the  toast — 
;>  Commodore  Decatur.,  and  the  officers  and  crew 
of  the  frigate  united  states." 

The  tender  and  impassioned  language  of  affection 
and  admiration,  was  instantly  changed  to  the  most  en- 
thusiastic plaudits.  The  hall  reverberated  with  the 
glory  of  Decatur.  Memory  called  to  view  the  cap- 
ture of  the  Ketch  Intrepid — the  destruction  of  the  Phi- 
lad  el phia  Frigate — the  battle  with  the  Tripolitan  Gun- 
Boats — the  death  of  the  Turk  who  murdered  Lieut. 
J  tines  Decatur — and  the  flag  of  the  Macedonian  was 
suspended  in  the  hail,  with  those  of  the  Gurriere  and 
the  Alert. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  183 

Comm.  Decatur,  in  the  mean  time,  was  preparing  to 
conduct  the  frigates  United  States  and  Macedonian  to 
New-York.  He  arrived  in  that  port  with  them  upon 
the  rirst  day  of  January,  1813,  having  been  many  days 
detained  by  adverse  winds.  He  anchored  the  Macedo- 
nian at  the  Wallabout  for  repairs,  and  left  the  deck  of 
the  frigate  United  States,  to  enter  once  more  the  city 
from  which  he  sailed  in  one  hour  after  the  declaration 
of  war  waa  officially  announced  to  him. 

It  would   be  totally  inconsistent  with  the  limits  and 
design  of  this  volume,  to  enter  into  particular  details  of 
all  the  manifestations  of  respect  shewn  to  Comm.  De- 
catur.    He  could  not  be  indifferent  to  them  ;    but  his 
modesty  made  him  shrink  from  the  glaring  display  of 
them. 

Comm.  Decatur  here  met  with  two  former  associates 
when  in  the  Mediterranean — Capts.  Isaac  Hull  and 
Jacob  Jones.  The  last  he  had,  by  his  valour,  emanci- 
pated from  a  bondage  of  eighteen  months  in  a  Tripoli- 
tan  dungeon — he  now  saluted  him  as  a  champion,  vic- 
torious over  a  superior  British  force.  He  forgot  the 
victory  of  the  frigate  United  States  over  the  Macedoni- 
an, when  contemplating  that  of  the  Wasp  over  the 
Frolic. 

The  corporation,  and  citizens  of  New- York,  ever 
foremost  in  rewarding  patriotism  and  valour,  displayed 
their  hospitality  upon  the  occasion  of  Comm.  Decatur's 
arrival,  iu  a  style  of  splendour  unsurpassed.  It  was  not 
a  mere  dinner  to  which  he  was  invited — it  was  to  a 
scene  elucidating  the  highest  taste,  the  finest  arrange- 
ments, and  the  most  noble  sentiments.  A  capacious 
kail  wascolonaded  with  masts  of  ships,  and  the  flags  of 


184  LIFE  OF 

all  the  world  were  suspended  upon  them.  Upon  each 
table  was  a  miniature  ship,  displaying  the  "star-span- 
gled banner"  of  America.  An  area  of  about  20,  by  10 
feet,  was  filled  with  water,  and  a  miniature  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  frigate  was  floating  in  it.  A  mainsail  33,  by 
16  feet  was  suspended  in  the  rear  of  the  artificial  lake, 
upon  which  was  painted  the  American  Eagle,  holding  in 
his  beak  a  scroll  with  these  words — "Our  children 
are  the  property  of  our  country."* — One  beauti- 
ful transparency  represented  the  American  Eagle,  hold- 
ing in  his  mouth  three  medallions.  Upon  one  was  in- 
scribed "  Hull  and  the  Gurriere" — on  another — 
*'  Jones  and  the  Frolic" — on  another — "  DECATUR 
and  the  MACEDONIAN."  Another  splendid  trans- 
parency represented  the  frigate  Constitution  taking 
the  Gurriere  in  a  blaze — August  19th  1812— The 
frigate  United  States  taking  the  Macedonian,  Oct. 
25th,1812.--The  Wasp,  taking  the  Frolic,  Nov.  18th, 
1812.  Upon  displaying  these  inimitable  representa- 
tions, the  whole  company  expressed  their  feelings  by 
nine  animated  cheers. 

The  feelings  of  these  gallant  men  may  be  conceived 
but  cannot  be  described.  After  they  retired,  amongst 
various  other  sentiments  given  on  the  occasion,  was  the 
following,  which  although  it  has  rather  too  much  of  that 
species  of  humour  called  punning,  is  nevertheless  ex- 
tremely forcible,  when  understood. — "  The  three  na- 
val Architects — Hull,  who  at  one  stroke  laid  the  keels 

*  A  reference  to  the  second  chapter  of  this  volume,  will  ex- 
plain the  appropriate  meaning  of  this  sentiment — worthy  of  the 
best  Roman,  in  the  best  days  of  Rome. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


185 


often  hulls* — Jones   who  raised  the  frames — DECA- 
TUR, who  gave  the  finishing  stroke."  . 

The  corporation-  of  the  city  of  New- York,  also  gave 
to  the  whole  crew  of  the  frigate  United  States,  a  splen- 
did dinner,  in  the  same  hall  in  which  Comm.  Decatur 
dined.  The  decorations  were  precisely  as  just  descri- 
bed, excepting  the  lake  in  which  the  miniature  frigate 
wafted,  which  was  filled  with  grog,  but  produced  not 
the  least  excess  amongst  these  well  disciplined  sailors. 
The  crew  exceeded  400,  and  were  neatly  dressed  in 
bluejackets  and  trowsers,  scarlet  vests,  and  glazed 
hats.  As  they  marched  from  the  frigate  to  the  City- 
Hotel,  reiterated  applauses  were  given  by  the  citizens. 
The  splendour  of  the  hall — the  miniature  lake  and  frig- 
ate—and above  all,  the  transparances  of  the  victories 
of  the  United  States,  Constitution,  and  Wasp,  carried 
their  astonishment  almost  to  delirium.  The  boatswain's 
whistle  kept  them  in  perfect  order,  and  "  Yankee  Doo- 
dle," from  the  inimitable  band  of  the  Macedonian,  in- 
spired them  with  ardent  patriotism.  After  dinner,  the 
boatswain  thus  answered  Alderman  Vanderbilt's  ele- 
gant address. 

"In  behalf  of  my  shipmates,  I  return  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  corporation  of  the  city  of  New- York,  for 
the  honour  which  they  this  day  have  done  us*  Rest 
as  lured,  Sir,  that  it  will  be  always  our  wish,  to  deserve 
the  g.  od  opinion  of  our  countrymen."  Three  hearty 
cheers,  from  the  whole  crew,  evinced  their  approba- 
tion of  the  boatswain's  sentiments.     They  then   drank 

*  The  u  ten  hulls"  alluded  to  an  Act  of  Congress,  then  recent- 
ly passed  for  building  four  74's  and  six  Frigates. 

1-6  * 


186  LIFE    OF 

to  this  toast,  so  perfectly  in  character  with  American 
tars — 

"  American  ships,  all  over  the  ocean.''' 
At  this  time,  Comm   Decatur,   and  his  accomplished 
Lieutenant,  W.  H.  Allen,  entered  the  hall.     The  pres- 
ence  of  the   Commodore  heightened   their  previous 
rapture.     He  gave  as  a  toast — 

<fc  Free  trade  atid  no  impressments ," 
which  was  received  with  an  enthusiasm  peculiar  to 
sailors.  He  communicated  to  them  the  request  of  the 
managers  of  the  Theatre,  that  they  would  attend  in  the 
evening  ;  and  the  whole  pit  was  appropriated  for  their 
accommodation.  The  Commodore  addressed  them 
nearly  in  these  words — "Sailors! — Your  orderly  and 
decorous  conduct  this  day,  gives  me  high  satisfaction. 
Continue  it  through  this  evening  ;  and  convince  the 
hospitable  and  patriotic  citizens  of  New-York,  that  you 
can  maintain  the  same  order  in  the  midst  of  amusements 
as  you  have  done,  when  sailing  upon  the  ocean  and  con- 
quering the  enemy."  It  was  answered  by  the  well 
known  and  respectful  salute  of  sailors.  The  admira- 
ble band  of  the  Macedonian  again  cheered  them  with 
patriotic  airs.  Excepting  the  lowering  of  an  enemy's 
flag,  this  world  could  not  afford  a  scene  more  exhilara- 
ting to  such  a  man  as  Stephen  Decatur. 

One  act  of  noble  munificence  in  this  truly  noble  crew, 
must  not  be  omitted.  Upon  receiving  their  prize  mo- 
ney, every  one  of  the  seamen  immediately  paid  two 
dollars  each,  making  a  fund  of  nearly  nine  hundred  dol- 
lars, for  the  benefit  oi  the  orpnan  children  of  John  Ar- 
chibald t  who  died  by  wounds  received  in  the  action 
with  the  Macedonian.     Comm.  Decatur  placed  the  mo- 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  187 

ney  in  the  hands  of  suitable  trustees,  and  received 
from  the  father  of  Archibald,  an  address  of  thanks, 
couched  in  the  impressive  language  of  a  grateful  heart. 
But  he  looked  his  gratitude  more  forcibly  than  he  ex- 
pressed it.     On  such  an  occasion — 

"A  glance  sends  volumes  to  the  heart, 
While  words  impassioned  die." 

The  benevolent,  the  humane,  the  generous  Deca- 
tur, upon  this,  and  on  numerous  other  occasions,  en- 
joyed— "the  luxury  of  doing  good."  It  was  not  to  his 
friends  alone,  to  whom  he  extended  the  helping  hand 
of  humanity — to  his  enemies,  when  not  inconsistent 
with  his  duty,  he  was  a  ministering  angel  of  mercy. 

When  he  took  possession  of  the  Macedorian,  he 
found  her  filled,  not  only  with  every  munition  and  ma- 
terial of  war,  but  with  almost  all  the  luxuries  of  the 
palace.  He  found  an  opportunity  to  repay  the  accom- 
plished and  gallant  Capt.  Carden  for  the  many  civili- 
ties he  had  shewn  to  American  officers,  while  upon  the 
American  station.  Every  thing  in  the  ship  which  be- 
longed to  the  government  as  prize,  he  scrupulously  ac- 
counted for  ;  but  every  individual  article  that  belong- 
ed to  the  officers  and  seamen,  he  punctiliously  restor- 
ed, or  liberally  paid  for.  Capt.  Carden  had  the  fin- 
est band  of  mu?ic  in  the  British  Navy,  and  the  choic- 
est supply  of  wine,  &c.  for  his  own  cabin.  These  and 
other  conveniences  to  the  amount  of  nearly  a  thousand 
dollars,  Conim.  Decatur  paid  him  for.  Let  the  face  of 
the  commander  of  the  Poictiers  74,  be  crimsoned  with 
shame,  or  turn  pale  with  tear,  when  reminded  that  af- 
ter capturing  the  Wasp,  13,  he  deprived  the  gallant 


188  LIFE  OF 

Capt.  Jones  and  his  crew  of  every  article  except  the 
clothes  that  covered  their  bodies  ;  and  that  these  no- 
ble Americans  never  shifted  their  dress,  until  the}r 
were  exchanged,  and  arrived  in  a  cartel  in  America.* 
Let  another  fact  connected  with  the  Macedonian  which 
this  same  Capt.  Jones  was  appointed  to  command,  be 
mentioned  by  way  of  contrast  between  the  American 
and  British  governments,  and  between  American  and 
British  naval  officers.  The  following  is  an  extract 
from  the  Muster  Roll  of  the  Macedonian,  when  cap- 
tured by  Comm.  Decatur. 

"  Christopher  Dodge,  American,  aged  32,  prest  by 
the  Thisbe,  late  Dedaigneuse,  shipped  in  the  Macedo- 
nian July  1,  1810. 

Peter  Johnson,  American,  aged  32,  prest  by  the  De- 
dalus,  entered  August  24,  1810. 

John  Alexander,  of  Cape  Ann,  aged  29,  prest  by  the 
Dedalus,  entered  August  25,  1810. 

C.  Dolphin,  of  Connecticut,  aged  22,  prest  by  the 
Namur,  late  Ceres,  entered  August  4,  1810. 

Major  Cook,  of  Baltimore,  aged  27,  prest  by  the 
Royal  William,  late  Mercury,  entered  Sept.  10,  1810. 

William  Thompson,  of  Boston,  aged  20,  prest  at  Lis- 

*  When  the  gallant  seamen  of  the  late  ship  Wasp  arrived  at 
the  seat  of  government,  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and  other 
gentlemen  visited  them  in  their  destitute  situation  ;  the  Secreta- 
ry shook  them  each  by  the  hand— applauded  them  for  their  gal- 
lantry in  action,  and  fortitude  under  privations  ;  and  gave  or- 
ders for  an  immediate  supply  of  every  comfort  and  convenience. 
These  men  ever  afterwards  would  fight  desperately  against  the 
brutal  enemy,  and  valiantly  for  their  country. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  1 89 

bon,  entered  Jan.  16,  1811,  drowned  at  sea  in  board- 
ing an  American. 

John  Wallis,  American,  aged  23,  prest  by  the  Tri- 
ton, entered  Feb.  16,  1811,  killed  in  action  in  the  Ma- 
cedonian! 

John  Card,  American,  aged  27,  prest  by  the  North 
Star,  entered  April  13,  1811,  killed  in  action  in  the 
Macedonian !" 

Let  the  vaunting  "  Queen  of  the  Ocean"  boast  of 
her  thousand  ships  and  matchless  commanders  ;  and 
as  Macbeth  shuddered  at  the  ghost  of  Banquo,  let  her 
shudder  at  the  ghosts  of  Thompson,  Wallis  and  Card, 
compelled  to  fight  their  own  countrymen,  and  perhaps 
to  spill  their  brother's  blood.  But  their  blood  has 
been  avenged,  so  far  as  man  can  avenge  ;  and  it  is  for 
that  Being  who  "  reigns  in  the  armies  of  heaven  above" 
to  administer  eternal  justice, 


190 


LIFE    OF 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Honours  conferred  upon  Comm.  Decatur — He  takes  command 
of  a  Squadron — Immense  disparity  between  American  and 
British  Naval  force  on  the  American  coast — List  of  both— 
Comm.  Decatur  sails  from  New  York  in  SquadroD — His  ship 
struck  by  lightning— Sails  for  a  British  74— Retreats  to  New 
London — Prepares  for  defence — Raz.es — British  Squadron — 
Contrast  between  Hardy  and  Cockbvrn — Stratag^  ms  of  War 
— Passport  for  the  bodies  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow — Comm. 
Deaatur  attempts  to  escape — Blue  Lights — Steam  Frigate — 
Challenge  to  the  enemy — impressed  seamen — Dignified  and 
humane  officers — Comm.  Decatur  and  Comm.  Macdonough. 

Comm.  Decatur  might  now  be  said  to  be  at  the  zenith 
of  glory.  Honours  flowed  in  upon  him  in  such  rapid 
succession,  that  if  the  thirst  frr  tame  and  the  appetite 
for  glory  could  ever  be  satisfied,  he  might  well  say  "  it 
is  enough"— and  yet,  when  acknowledging  the  honours 
conferred  upon  him  and  his  gallant  officers  and  seamen, 
his  unassuming  language  was — "  may  they  stimulate 

US  TO  ACTS  MORE  PROPORTIONED  TO  THEIR  APPROBA- 
TION." It  might  well  be  asked  what  deeds  could  De- 
catur perform,  that  would  be  "  more  proportioned" 
to  the  highest  approbation  that  couid  be  bestowed  than 
what  he  had  already  achieved  ?  I  do  not  here  allude 
to  his  last  achievement — brilliant  as  it  surely  was,  it 
was  even  surpassed  by  those  of  his  early  life,  and  such 
I  trust  is  the  opinion  of  the  readers  of  these  imperfect 
sketches. 

Promotion  he  could  not  receive,  for  at  twenty-live, 
he  reached  the  highest  grade  of  office  in  the  American 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  191 

Navy.  The  almost  endless  series  of  promotions  in  the 
Navy  of  Britain,  opens  a  wide  door  for  her  officers  to 
pass  through  to  naval  honours.  Admirals,  and  vice- 
Admirals — Admirals  of  the  white,  the  red,  and  the  blue, 
and  Rear- Admirals  almost  ad  infinitum,  afford  titles  of 
honour  to  a  numerous  host  of  officers,  whether  they 
have  earned  them  by  deeds  of  valour,  or  acquired  them 
by  court  favouritism.  The  titles  of  duke,  earl,  marquis, 
viscount,  baronet  and  knight,  are  also  within  the  gift  of  the 
crown  ;  and  it  will  be  recollected  that  plain  Capt. 
Broke  of  the  Shannon,  was  "  dubbed  a  knight"  for 
capturing  by  a  fortunate  circumstance,  the  ill- starred 
frigate  Chesapeake,  after  she  had  fairly  beaten  the 
Shannon. 

The  most  grateful  reward  to  the  gallant  and  noble 
Decatur,  was  the  thanks  of  his  government,  and  the  ap- 
plause of  his  countrymen.  They  were  far  higher  in 
his  estimation,  than  a  dukedom,  or  peerage  with  a 
princely  estate,  torn  from  the  hard  earnings  of  humble 
and  patient  industry.  These  he  enjoyed  in  full  frui- 
tion. Nor  were  they  new  honours  to  him.  Ten  years 
before,  he  received  from  Congress,  his  commission,  a 
vote  of  thanks,  and  a  SWORD. 

The  Corgress  of  the  United  States  voted  their 
thanks  to  Comm.  Decatur,  his  Officers  and  Seamen, 
for  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian — a  gold  medal  to 
him,  and  a  silver  one  to  each  of  his  officers. 

The  State  Legislatures  of  Pennsylvania  £nd  Massa- 
chusetts also  voted  thanks  to  the  Commodore,  his  Offi- 
cers and  Seamen — and  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  pre- 
sented elegant  szvords  to  him,  and  to  Lieuts.  VY.  H. 
Allen,  and  J.  B.  Nicholson,  for  the  same  achievement. 


192  LIFE  OF 

The  Citizens  of  Philadelphia,  (for  "  those  who  knew 
him  best,  loved  him  most")  presented  him  with  a  sword 
of  pure  solid  gold,  of  little  less  value  than  one  thou- 
sand dollars.  Perhaps  the  pecuniary  value  of  it  ought 
not  to  be  mentioned  ;  as  neither  the  givers  or  the  re- 
ceiver thought  of  it  in  any  other  point  of  view,  than  as 
a  token  of  admiration  on  the  one  part,  and  an  evidence 
on  the  other  of  consummate  skill,  gallant  courage,  and 
devoted  patriotism. 

Sumptuous  public  dinners,  and  splendid  public  balls, 
were  given  to  the  Commodore  wherever  he  could  be 
found  ;  and  had  duty  or  inclination  led  him  to  travel  by 
land,  he  unquestionably  would  have  been  urged,  and 
almost  compelled,  to  have  eaten  and  danced  his  passage 
through  the  whole  Republic.  But  he  rather  preferred 
to  make  another  attempt  to  fight  his  passage  o'er  the 
ocean,  through  the  thickening  ships  of  the  enemy, 
which,  at  this  period,  almost  encircled  the  whole 
country. 

Comm.  Decatur,  soon  after  his  return  to  America, 
from  his  second  brilliant  cruise,  was  appointed  to  the 
command  of  a  Squadron,  consisting  of  the  frigate  Uni- 
ted States  (his  flag  ship) — the  frigate  Macedonian,  Capt. 
Jones — and  the  Sloop  of  War  Hornet,  Capt.  Biddle. 
These  gallant  and  persevering  officers  devoted  them- 
selves, with  unceasing  assiduity,  in  fitting  their  ships 
for  sea.  The  Frigate  U.  States,  and  the  Sloop  Hornet, 
notwithstanding  the  first  had  recently  captured  a  first 
rate  British  Frigate,  and  the  last  had  sunk  a  British 
ship  oT  superior  force,  needed  but  little  repairs  ;  yet 
the  Macedonian  was   rendered  almost  a  wreck,  and 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  193 

needed  thorough  repairs.    The  Squadron  was  fitted  for 
sea  by  the  24th  May,   1813. 

While  preparing  this  Squadron  for  sea,  Comm.  De- 
catur, Capts.  Jones  and  Biddle,  enjoyed  the  high  satis- 
faction of  learning  the  splendid  victory  of  the  noble  and 
gallant  Comm.  Bainbridge,  of  the  frigate  Constitution, 
over  the  British  frigate  Java,  Capt.  Lambert,  and  that 
of  Capt.  Lawrence,  of  the  sloop  of  war  Hornet,  over 
the  British  rdoop  of  war  Peacock,  Capt.  Peake.     The 
history   of  Naval  Warfare  scarcely  affords  a  parallel 
with  these  two  victories.     The  new  and  elegant  ship 
Java  all  but  sunk  in  the   action,  and   was  afterwards 
blown  up  as  a  worthless  wreck — her  commander  mor- 
tally   wounded-— 60    men    killed,  and    170   wounded. 
The  sloop  of  war  Peacock,  one  of  the  finest  of  her 
class,  sunk  even  before  the  whole   of  the  conquered 
crew  could  be  gotten  on  board  the  Hornet.     What  en- 
hanced the  interest  of  these  victories,  was  the  delight- 
ful, and  yet  glorious  association  of  ideas.     The  writer 
has  frequently,  in  the  later  periods  of  Comm.    Deca- 
tur's life,  recurred  back  to  his  Mediterranean  achieve- 
ments.    How  forcibly  may  we  recur  to  them  in  this 
place  ?     Bainbridge,  Jones  and  Biddle,  were  once  in 
the  most  dismal  bondage  in  Tripoli — Decatur  and  Law- 
rence  led  in  the  destruction  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia, 
which  hastened  their  emancipation  !     They  commenced 
their  naval  intimacy  in  scenes  of  common  dangers,  and 
common  misery — it  had  now  advanced  to  the  high  ex- 
ultation of  common  victories  obtained  by  them  all  over 
the  mistress  of  the  ocean.     Never  had  a  whole  class  of 
men  so  much  reason  to  admire  each  other,  as  the  A- 
merican  Naval  Officers,  who  began  their  career  of  suf- 

17 


194  LIFE    OP 

ferings  and  victory  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  who  have 
so  gloriously  conquered  in  the  Atlantic. 

The  immense  disparity  of  Naval  force  between  Ame- 
rica and  Britain  at  the  commencement  of  the  war,  has 
been  alluded  to  in  general  terms.  It  may  gratify  the 
reader  to  learn  more  particularly  the  force  of  the  ene- 
my, when  the  undaunted  and  fearless  Decatur,  com- 
menced his  third  cruise.  The  statement  is  derived 
from  a  source  which  will  not  be  disputed,  as  it  comes 
from  the  very  loyal  Mr.  Steele,  whose  annual  "  Navy 
List,  of  the  Royal  Navy  of  Great  Britain"  and  their 
several  "  Stations"  is  made  under  the  inspection  of  the 
"Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,"  and  more 
particularly  under  that  of  '  John  Wilson  Crocker,  Esq.' 
This  List  for  January  1st,  1813,  assigns  the  following 
ships  to  the  several  stations  undermentioned  : — 

BERMUDA  STATION. 


Names. 

Guns. 

Commanders. 

Minerva 

32 

R.  Hawkins,  esq. 

Frolic,  brig 

18 

Whinyates. 

Sylph 

18 

Wm.  Evans. 

Muros,  brig 

14 

Lt.  C.  Hobart. 

London  papers  of  the  10th  of  January,  stated  that  a 
squadron  of  19  sail  of  the  line,  several  large  frigates, 
(razees)  and  5  bomb  vessels,  would  instantly  proceed 
to  the  coast  of  America,  to  bombard  some  of  the  prin- 
cipal ports.  The  following  are  named  as  part  of  that 
force.     Some  of  them  were  then  on  cur  coast. 

_       ,  _  ,  mA  C  R'r  Ad.L'dA.Beauclerc. 

Royal  Oak  74  |  Capt  F.  G.  Shortland. 

Egmont  74  Joseph  Bingham,  esq. 

La  Hogue  74  Hon.  T.  B.'Capel. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR, 


195 


Norge 

74 

Valiant 

74 

Tiger 

74 

Abercrombie 

74 

Queen 

30 

*Theseus 

74 

Bellona 

74 

Revolutionaire 

44 

Desiree 

36 

Neimen 

38 

Mutine,  brig 

18 

*  Going  first  off  th 

CRUISING  OFF  THE 

Elephant  74 

Dublin  74 

Inconstant  36 

Hermes  20 

Rolla,  brig  10 


L.  S.  Regnier,  esq. 

R.  D.  Oliver. 

John  Halliday. 

C.  W.  Fahie,  esq. 

Rt.  Hon.  Lord  J.  Colviile. 

Wm.  Prouse,  esq. 

Geo.  M'Kinley,  esq. 

P.  L.  Woolcombe,  esq. 

Arthur  Farquahar. 

Samuel  Pym. 

N.  D.  Courcy. 

e  Western  Islands. 

WESTERN  ISLANDS. 

C.  J.  Austin,  esq. 

R.  Henderson,  esq. 

E.  W.  C.  R.  Owens,  esq, 

Philip  Browne,  esq. 

Wm.  Hall,  esq. 


San  Domingo 

Cumberland 

Marlborough 

Poictiers 

Rami  lies 

Grampus 

Acasta 

Junon 

Nymphe 

Sea-Horse 

Shannon 

Spartan 

Statira 

Tenedos 

Belvide.ra 

Maidstone 

Orpheus 


HALIFAX  STATION. 

i  Ad.  Sir  J.  B.  Warren,  bt. 

74  I  Capt.  Charles  Gill. 

74  Thomas  Baker,  esq. 

i  Rear  Ad.  Cockburn,  knt. 

74  I  Capt.  B.  H.  Ross. 

74  Sir  J.  P.  Beresford,  knt. 

74  Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  bart. 

50  Robert  Barrie,  esq. 

40  A.  R.  Kerr,  esq. 

38  James  Saunders,  esq. 

38  E.  P.  Ep worth,  esq. 

38  J.  A.  Gordon,  esq. 

38  P.  B.  V.  Broke,  esq. 

38  E.  P.  Brenton,  esq. 

,  38  Hassard  Stackpole,  esq. 

38  Hyde  Parker,  esq. 

36     Richard  Byron,  esq. 

36     Geo.  Burdett,  esq. 

36     Hugh  Pigott,  esq. 


196 


LIFE  OF 


JEolus 
Laurestinus 
Fawn 
Tartarus 
Wanderer 
Arachne,  brig 
Arab  do. 

Atalante     do. 
Colibri       do. 
Curlew      do. 
Goree 
Heron,  brig 
Martin 
Morgiana* 
Moselle,  brig 
Recruit 
Sophia,    brig 
Magnet,    do. 
Ratler 

^Plumper,  gun 
Variable 
Holly,      schr. 
Bream,      do. 
Cuttle,       do. 
Fierce,       do. 
Herring,    do. 
Mackarel,  do. 


brig, 


32 

24 

20 

20 

20 

18 

18 

18 

18 

IS 

18 

18 

18 

18 

18 

18 

18 

16 

16 

12 

12 

8 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 


Lord  J.  Townsend. 
Thomas  Graham,  esq. 
Thomas  Fellows,  esq. 
John  Pasco,  esq. 
F.  Newcomb,  esq. 

C.  H.  Watson,  esq. 
John  Wilson,  esq. 
Frederick  Hickey,  esq 
J.  Thompson,  esq. 
Michael  Head,  esq. 
Hon.  H.  D.  Byng. 
Wm.  M'Culloch,  esq. 
John  Evans,  Esq. 
David  Scott,  esq. 

Mowbray,  esq. 

H.  F.  Bifnhouse,  esq. 
N.  Luckyer,  esq. 

D.  M.  Maurice,  esq. 
A.  Gordon,  esq. 

Lt.  J.  Bray. 
R.  R.  B.Yates. 
Lt.  S.  S.  Treacher. 
Lt.  C.  D.  Browne. 
Lt.  W.  L.  Patterson. 


Lt.  John  Murray. 
Lt.  T.  H.  HutGhinson, 


Lost  near  Eastport,  Maine. 


The  following  vessels  were  on  the  Jamaica  and 
Leeward  Island  Stations,  and  on  passage  to  the  West  In- 
dies, the  1st  of  January  : 


Dragon 

Arethusa 

Svbelle 

^Southampton 

Jason 

Narcissus 

Mercury  (enjlute) 


74 

38 
38 
32 
32 
32 
28 


(R'rad.  SirF.  Laforey,bt. 
I  Capt.  F.  A.  Collier. 

C.  Upton,  esq.  convoy. 
Sir  James  Yeo. 
Hon.  Wm.  King. 
J.  R.  Lumley. 
C.  Milward. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


197 


Garland 

22 

Davies. 

Coquette 

20 

John  Simpson. 

*Cyane 

20 

Thomas  Forrest. 

Lightning 

20 

B.  C.  Doyle. 

Brazen 

18 

Bold,  brig 

18 

John  Skekel. 

Crane 

18 

James  Stuart. 

Dauntless 

18 

D.  Barber.      ^  convoy  zvith 

Demerara,  g.  b. 

18 

W.  H.  Smith.  \  the  St/bells. 

Peruvian,  brig, 

18 

A.  F.  Westropp. 

Indian 

18 

Henry  Jane. 

Sappho,  brig, 

18 

H.  CTGready. 

Sapphire 

18 

Henry  Haynes. 

Maria,  brig, 

16 

Lieut.  Bligh. 

Swaggerer, 

16 

G.  J.  Evelyn. 

Protection,  g.  b. 

14 

i  Lieut.  G.  Mit  .hener, 

Jo 

f    convoy  with  Sy belle. 

Liberty,  cutter  b. 

14 

Lieut.  G.  M.  Guise. 

Morne  Fortunee,  b. 

14 

J.  Steele. 

Netley,  sch. 

14 

G.  Green. 

Spider,  b. 

14 

F  G.  Wiiloch. 

Elizabeth,  sch. 

12 

Lieut.  Edward  F.  Droyer. 

R;pide,         do. 

12 

N.  W.  Pere. 

Algerine,  cutter, 

10 

D.  Carpenter. 

*Dornii)ico,  g.  b. 

10 

Robert  Hockings. 

Opossum,       do. 

10 

Thomas  woolridge. 

Ballahon,  sch. 

8 

Norfolk  King. 

Green  Linnet 

6 

tSubtle 

8 

Lieut.  Charles  Browne. 

*Lost  on  the  Bahama  Keys. 
^Upset  and  sunk  while  in  chase  of  the  American  privateer 

Jack's  Favorite. 


NEWFOUNDLAND  STATION. 


Antelope 

Hyperion 
Electra 


j  Adm.  Sir  E.  Nagle,  bart. 
>  Capt.  Edward  Hawkes. 
W.  P.  Cumby,  esq. 
18     Win.  Gregory,  esq. 


50 
32 


*• 


17 


198 


LIFE  OF 


Hazard  18     John  Cooksley,  esq. 

*Alert  16     Lieut.  Win.  Smith. 

Juniper  8  N.  Vassal. 

*  Captured  by  the  Essex. 

The  Gurriere,  the  Macedonian,  the  Java,  the  Pea- 
cock, and  the  Frolick,  once  belonged  to  this  List.  The 
names  of  the  first,  and  three  last,  although  not  the  same 
timbers,  were  afterwards  added  to  the  American  Navy 
List. 

Again, — "  hook  upon,  that  Picture,    and   then  upon 
this." — It  would  make  the  reader  think  of  "  little  lulus" 


following  after 

;'  Anchises." 

NAVY  OF 

THE  UNITED  STATES,  IN  1813. 

President 

44 

Comm.  Rodgers. 

United  States 

44 

Decatur. 

Constitution 

44 

Capt.  Lawrence. 

Macedonian 

38 

Jones. 

Congress 

36 

Smith. 

Chesapeake 

36 

Evans. 

Constellation 

36 

Stewart. 

New-York 

36 

Repairing  at  Washington. 

Boston 

32 

do.                      do. 

E^sex 

32 

Capt.  Porter. 

Adams 

32 

Morris. 

John  Adams 

26 

Ludlow. 

Alert 
Hornet 

18 
18 

Argus 

16 

Lieut.  Allen. 

Syren 

16 

Mast.  Com.  J.  Bainbridge. 

Enterpize 

14 

Lieut.  Blakely. 

Troup 

14 

Grandison. 

Nonsuch 

12 

The  fastidious  disciples  of  the  "  Doctrine  of  Chan- 
ces," would  feel  that  wonder,  which  is  the  effect  of  ti- 
midity upon  weakness,  that  the  government  of  the  A- 
raerican  Republic,  or  its  Naval  officers,  should  pre- 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  199 

sume  to  expose  a  ship  or  a  seaman  to  the  destruction  of 
such  an  overwhelming  superiority  of  force.  The  go- 
vernment and  its  officers  knew  what  had  been  accom- 
plished, and  were  not  to  be  deterred  by  fear  from  fur- 
ther attempts.  They  took  no  counsel  from  that  para- 
lyzing passion  in  the  breast  of  dotards. 

Comm.  Decatur  received  his  sailing  orders  with  ex- 
ultation ,  and  Capts.  Jones  and  Biddle  panted  for  an  op- 
portunity to  gather  further  laurels. 

Upon  the  24th  o^  May,  the  Commodore's  broad  pen- 
dant waved  from  the  head  of  his  favourite  frigate  Uni- 
ted States.  The  "  Star  spangled  Banner"  held  the 
place  once  occupied  by  "St.  George's  Cross"  on  the 
Macedonian  ;  and  the  little  Hornet  still  retained  her 
stings.  They  passed  into  the  sound  ;  and  when  off 
Hunt's  Point,  the  main-mast  of  the  Commodore's  ship 
was  struck  with  lightning,  and  his  broad  pendant  came 
down  ;  being  compelled,  surely,  in  this  instance,  to 
yield  to  a  "  superior  force."  It  entered  a  port-hole 
— went  down  the  after  hatchway,  through  the  ward- 
room, into  the  Surgeon's  room — tore  up  his  bed,  and 
put  out  his  candle — then  passed  between  the  skin  and 
cieling  of  the  ship,  and  tore  up  about  twenty  nails  of 
her  copper  at  the  water's  edge.  The  Macedonian, 
but  100  yards  astern,  hove  her  top-sails  aback,  fearing 
the  lire  might  find  its  way  to  the  magazine.  The  Squad- 
ron, however,  was  soon  again  under  full  sail. 

Upon  June  1st,  a  British  74  was  discovered  off  the 
harbour  of  New-London.  Immediate  sail  was  made 
for  her,  and  a  prize  was  already  taken  in  anticipation. 
At  this  moment  the  remainder  of  the  British  squadron 
—a  74,  a  Razee,  and  a  frigate,  showed  themselves, 


200  LIFE    OP 

coming  from  their  covert  behind  Montauk  Point.  This 
force  was  almost  as  irresistible  as  the  lightning  from 
which  the  American  squadron  had  recently  escaped  ; 
and  it  made  good  its  retreat  into  the  harbour  of  New- 
London  ;  not,  however,  until  the  Commodore's  ship 
gave  the  razee  a  few  shots  from  her  stern-chafers. 

■  Such  are  the  sudden  changes  in  the  fortune  of  na- 
val warfare.  The  Commodore  found  himself  blocka- 
ded in  the  same  port  into  which  he  lately  conducted  the 
first  British  frigate  as  a  prize,  that  ever  entered  an  A- 
merican  harbour. 

Expecting  from  the  great  force  of  the  enemy  an  im- 
mediate attack,  the  squadron  was  prepared,  aided  by 
the  military  force  at  forts  Trumbull  and  Griswold,  to 
give  Sir  Thos.  M.  Hardy  a  reception  as  warm  and  more 
effectual  than  his  adored  Nelson  found  at  Copenhagen. 

As  this  is  the  first  time  Razees  have  been  mentioned, 
some  readers  may  wish  for  a  description,  of  what,  how- 
ever, may  properly  be  called  a  non  descript  in  naval 
armaments.  They  are  actually  74  gun  ships,  with  a 
little  portion  of  their  decks  cut  down,  and  the  exclusion 
of  their  smaller  guns  which  are  of  but  little  use  in  close 
engagements.  They  are  deemed  by  the  first  naval 
characters,  a  full  match  for  two  first  rate  frigates.  The 
wary  admiralty  of  Old  England,  after  seeing  their 
finest  frigates  for  the  first  time  bowing  to  an  equal  force, 
designed  these  mongrel  bulwarks  of  her  prowess,  for 
contest*  with  American  frigates,  and  denominated  them 
razees  !  If  a  double  entendre  were  allowable  upon  a 
subject  that  ought  to  excite  contempt,  we  might  safely 
venture  to  say  that  in  single  combat  with  a  plain  Ameri- 
can 44,  they  would  be  razeed  of  more   deck  and  more 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  201 

guns  than  what  the  British  naval  architects  would  approve 
of.  The  admiralty  of  Britain,  by  this  measure,  bestow- 
ed the  highest  compliment  upon  American  officers  and 
seamen,  and  virtually  acknowledged  their  own  inferior- 
ity in  conflicts  between  equal  forces — and  the  crown 
would  probably  have  knighted  the  commander  of  a 
British  razee  for  capturiug  an  American  frigate. 

Comm.  Decatur  moored  his  squadron  five  miles  above 
the  town,  and  took  every  precautionary  measure,  in 
conjunction  with  the  United  States'  forces  in  the  forts 
and  the  Connecticut  militia,  which  immediately  appear- 
ed, to  prepare  for  a  vigorous  defence.  His  presence 
and  example  inspired  confidence  in  every  bosom,  and 
imparted  the  ardent  glow  of  patriotism  to  every  hearty 
Although  Comm.  Decatur,  Capts.  Jones  and  Biddle,  their 
officers  and  seamen  were  driven,  by  a  force  wholly  ir- 
resistible by  them,  from  their  chosen  element, — and 
that  formidable  force  still  menacing  them  and  the  coun- 
try, yet,  spirits  like  theirs  were  never  created  to 
"despair  of  the  Republic."  The  first  had  long  been 
familiar  with  scenes  of  carnage  and  death  in  their  most 
horrid  forms,  and  the  second  and  the  third  had  endured 
the  horrors  of  a  lengthened  bondage  amongst  the  most 
ferocious  and  merciless  of  barbarian^ — and  all  had  been 
in  victorious  conflicts  with  the  mistress  of  the  ocean. 

It  would  not  comport  with  the  intended  limits  of  this 
volume,  to  detail  all  the  minor  events  that  took  place 
in  the  naval  and  military  forces  at,  and  near  N°w-Lon- 
don,  during  the  long  period  the  American  Squadron  was 
there  blockaded.  The  British  Squadron  under  Sir 
Thomas  M.  Hardy,  was  at  all  times  too  formidable  to 
attack  and  too  vigilant  to  escape.     It  oiiginally  consist- 


202  LIFE    OP 

ed  of  the  Ramilies,  74,  Sir  T.  M.  Hardy — Valiant,  74, 
R.  D.  Oliver — Acasta,  40,  A.  R.  Kerr — Orpheus,  36, 
H.  Pigott.  The  Statira,  38,  H.  Stackpole,  ("  sister- 
ship"  of  the  Macedonian,)  and  La  Hogue,  74,  and  En~ 
dymion,44:,  afterwards  joined  ;  besides  Tenders,  Barg- 
es, Boats,  &c.  &c.  Sir  Thomas  could  diminish  or  aug- 
ment his  squadron  at  pleasure,  as  there  were  always 
British  ships  enough  within  a  few  days  call. 

It  might  be  considered  as  a  fortunate  circumstance 
for  the  citizens  of  Connecticut  and  New-York,  resi- 
dent on  the  borders  of  Long-Island  sound,  that  such  a 
noble  and  magnanimous  enemy  as  Sir  T.  M.  Hardy, 
commanded  in  those  waters.  The  inhabitants  upon 
the  waters  and  the  borders  of  the  Chesapeake  «uffered 
a  far  different  destiny  where  the  sanguinary  and  detest- 
ed Cockburn,  held  dominion.  Hardy,  one  of  the  heroes 
of  Trafalgar,  and  who  received  the  dying  Nelson  in  his 
arms  on  board  the  Victory,  scorned  to  make  war  upon  un- 
resisting weakness.  But  let  the  fate  of  Hampton,  Havre 
de  Grace ,  Frenchtorun  and  Fredericktown  be  remember- 
ed ;  and  to  place  Cockburn  upon  the  very  pinnacle  of 
infamy  for  "  scorn  to  point  its  slozo  vnmoving finger  at," 
let  the  wanton  destruction  of  the  Capitol,  the  Presi- 
dent's house, the  National  Library,  and  the  dilapidations 
upon  the  Naval  Monument  at  Washington  be  brought  to 
li  /  t  It  is  almost  with  a  blush  I  mention  the  name  of 
this  paragon  of  infamy  upon  the  same  pa<re  w?ith  the 
Taliant  Hardy,  who  never  violated  the  established  prin- 
ciple" of  civilized  warfare.  Scarcely  a  living  animal 
was  tak^n  from  the  islands  or  the  main  without  they 
were  paid  for,  or  offered  pay  refused.*     No  defence- 

* Gardner,  Esq.  proprietor  of  Gardner's  island,  refu- 
sed pay  for  twenty  head  of  fine  cattle. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  203 

less  villager  was  driven  in  despair  from  his  burning 
mansion  ;  no  unprotected  female  suffered  violence  from 
brutal  passion.  This  truly  noble  Hero  knew  his  duty 
to  his  king  and  country,  and  he  performed  it.  His 
squadron  captured  every  merchantman  within  its  reach. 
One  detachment  of  it  destroyed  a  large  amount  of  ship- 
ping at  Pettipaug — another  made  a  "  demonstration" 
upon  the  borough  of  Stonington ,  and  were  repulsed  by 
the  unparalleled  heroism  of  the  citizens.  He  would 
most  gladly  have  recaptured  the  Macedonian,  and  have 
been  delighted  to  have  added  the  frigate  United  States 
and  the  sloop  of  War  Hornet  to  the  "  Royal  Navy  ;" 
but  he  knew  that  a  Decatur,  as  valiant  and  magnanimous 
as  himself,  was  placed  as  a  watchman  upon  these  wood- 
en walls  of  the  Republic.  Sir  Thomas  could  do  noth- 
ing but  smile  at  the  gasconading  threat  of  one  of  his 
officers,  "  That  they  meant  to  have  the  Macedonian  if 
they  followed  her  into  a  cornfield."  Undoubtedly  they 
would  have  rejoiced  to  reap  such  a  prize  in  any  field. 
But  Comm.  Hardy's  "  system  of  navigation"  would 
hardly  admit  of  gathering  a  crop  on  such  an  element. 

Although  Comm.  Decatur,  and  Comm.  Hardy  would 
prefer  an  ocean-battle,  to  obtain  a  conquest,  yet  strata- 
gem has  always  been  practised  to  obtain  the  same  object. 
Such  was  resorted  to  by  the  commanders  of  the  Val- 
iant and  Acasta,  to  decoy  Comm.  Decatur  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  About  the  middle  of  June,  these 
ships  left  their  stations — captured  a  coasting  vessel, 
and  assured  the  master  of  her,  that  the  Valiant  had 
struck  upon  a  rock,  and  that  the  Acasta  was  going  with 
her  to  Halifax  for  repairs,  and  to  take  out  the  crew  if 


204  LIFE  OF 

she  should  sink.  In  a  week  they  returned  with  an  ad- 
ditional Frigate  and  a  Brig  of  War  ! 

Upon  the  19th  June,  the  day  upon  which  war  was 
declared  the  year  preceding,  the  American  flag  was 
hoisted  under  that  of  the  British  on  board  their  squad- 
ron. Had  that  flag  been  taken  in  action  with  an  equal 
force,  there  would  have  been  more  meaning  in  it. 
They  could  distinctly  see  the  American  flag  upon  the 
mast  of  the  Macedonian. 

Upon  the  25th  a  schooner  fitted  out  as  a  sort  of  fire- 
ship  at  New- York,  by  a  Mr.  Scudder,  who  acknowl- 
edged the  fact,  exploded  near  the  British  squadron, 
destroyed  some  boats  and  about  100  men.  Comm. 
Hardy,  probably  supposing  it  to  have  originated  in 
Comm.  Decatur's  squadron,  sent  the  following  note  on 
shore  by  a  flag  of  truce. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  Stonington,  New-London  and 
the  vicinity,  are  hereby  informed,  that  after  this  date, 
no  boat  of  any  description  shall  be  suffered  to  approach 
or  pass  his  Britannic  majesty's  squadron,  lying  off  New- 
London,  flags  of  truce  excepted. 

Given  on  board  his  majesty's  ship  Ramilies,  the  26th 
June,  1813. 

T.  M.  HARDY,  Capt." 

Although  the  gallant  and  lamented  Gen.  Pike,  died 
by  a  British  stratagem  still  more  unusual  than  this,  yet 
Comm.  Decatur,  as  the  reader  will  presently  learn, 
proposed  a  different  mode  to  take  or  destroy  the  British 
squadron  than  by  that  of  blowing  it  up  with  fire  ships, 
or  torpedoes. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  205 

Comm.  Decatur,  about  the  first  of  September,  re- 
ceived from  Comm.  Bainbridge  the  original  British 
passport  for  the  Brig  Henry,  fitted  out  by  the  patriotic 
George  Crowninshield  and  manned  by  twelve  sea-cap- 
tains, to  proceed  from  Salem,  (Mass.)  to  Halifax,  »nd  to 
bring  to  their  native  land  the  bodies  of  the  gallant  and 
lamented  Capt.  Lawrence  and  Lieut.  Ludlow  who  fell 
in  the  Chesapeake  frigate.  The  object  was,  to  enable 
Comm.  Decatur  to  obtain  an  extension  of  the  same 
passport,  from  the  commanding  officer  of  this  station, 
for  the  Henry  to  proceed  to  New  York  with  the  bodies. 
The  Commodore  immediately  dispatched  Lieut.  Nich- 
olson with  a  flag  of  truce,  and  a  letter  addressed  to  Sir 
T.  M.  Hardy,  "  or  the  officer  commanding  H.  B.  M. 
Squadron  off  New  London"  Capt.  Oliver  of  the  Valiant 
was  the  '•  officer  commanding."  Lieut.  Nicholson  was 
ordered  to  lie  by  with  his  boat,  in  weather  extremely 
boisterous,  and  was  refused  the  privilege  of  coming 
to  the  leeward  of  the  Valiant,  for  protection.  An  offi- 
cer was  sent  on  board  the  flag- boat — the  dispatches 
were  sent  to  Capt.  Oliver,  with  the  original  passport. 
After  an  hour's  detention,  a  letter  was  sent  on  board  to 
Comm.  Decatur,  informing  him  that  his  letter  and  the 
passport  would  be  sent  to  Comm.  Kaidy,  then  at  Hali- 
fax ! 

The  feelings  of  Comm.  Decatur  on  receipt  of  the 
letter,  can  neither  be  described  nor  conceived.  In  con- 
sequence of  this  refusal,  the  bodies  of  these  sleeping 
heroes  were  transported  by  land,  from  Salem  through 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  to  New-York.  That 
this  refusal  should  not  appear  too  glaring  an  outrage 
upon  humanity,  it  ought  to  be  mentioned  that  Capt 


20G  LIFE    OF 

Oliver,  subsequently,  when  it  was  too  late  to  have  effect, 
granted  the  request  ! 

While  Comm.  Decatur's  squadron  was  rendered  thus 
inactive,  and  driven  from  the  ocean,  a  "  fresh  water" 
squadron,  surrounded  by  a  wilderness,  achieved  a  deed 
which  produced  inexpressible  astonishment  in  the  ene- 
my, and  joy  as  inexpressible  with  Americans.  As 
Comm.  Perry's  victory  upon  Lake  Erie  was  the Jirst 
gained  over  the  enemy  in  squadron,  as  Capt.  Hull's  was 
the  Jirst  over  a  single  ship,  they  have  been  echoed  and 
re-echoed,  until  it  might  be  supposed  that  the  thirst  for 
praise  itself,  would  have  been  saturated.  This  capture 
of  the  British  squadron  upon  Lake  Erie  is  an  anomaly 
in  the  history  of  naval  warfare.'  Although  Nelson  had 
taught  the  manner  of  breaking  through  an  enemy's  line, 
yet  it  was  for  Comm.  Perry  to  leave  his  oum  disabled 
ship  in  the  hands  of  his  Lieutenant,  who  reluctantly 
struck  her  flag — take  the  ship  of  the  next  officer  in  com- 
mand, almost  uninjured,  and  dispatch  him  on  another 
service — then,  with  his  fresh  ship,  aided  by  the  gallan- 
try aud  *kill  of  her  former  commander,  in  bringiagfresh 
ships  into  close  action,  to  gain  a  decided  victory,  is 
surely,  without  a  parallel.  Comm.  Perry,  and  Capt. 
Elliot  set  a  new  example  ;  whether  it  ever  will  be  fol- 
lowed, must  be  left  for  future  naval  conflicts  to  deter- 
mine. Paiticulars  must  heie  be  omitted  ;  but  they 
may  be  learned  from  Comm.  Perry's  three  official  letters 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  ;  and  his  three  civil  letters 
to  JVJaj.  Gen.  Harrison.  The  General  aided  the  Com- 
modore in  obtaining  the  victory  upon  water — the  Com- 
modore, in  return  aided  the  Geneial  in  conquering  up- 
on land. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  207 

But  such  are  the  sudden  reverses  of  those  who  travel 
the  road  to  fame,  that  they  are  often  compelled  to  min- 
gle  the    tears   of  grief,  with  the  smiles   of  triumph. 
Scarce  had  the  exhilaration  of  joy  excited  in  the  bosom 
of  Comra.  Decatur  by  the  victory  upon  Lake  Erie  sub- 
sided, before  the  death  of  one  of  his  former  favourite 
lieutenants  was  announced.     After  the  capture   of  the 
Macedonian,  Lieut.  W.  H.   Allen,  was  promoted,  and 
ordered  to  take  command  of  Ihe  Argus,  the  first  armed 
vessel  that  Decatur  commanded.     He  carried  the  Ame- 
rican minister  to  France,  and  repaired  to  the  Irish  chan- 
nel, where,  in  a  short  time,  he  captured  British  proper- 
ty to   the  amount  of  $2,000, 000,  as  they  confess  ;  yet 
they  admired  the  hand  that  struck  them,  it  was  raised 
with  so  much  dignity  and  fell  with  so  much  humanity. 
When  Capt.  Allen  fell  himself,  nobly  fighting  the  Pelican 
upon  the  14th  August,  and  was  buried  in  the  midst  of 
the  enemies  he  had  so  nobly  fought,  their  demonstra- 
tions of  respect  for  his  character,  speak  his  highest  eu- 
logy.    He  was  interred  with  the  honours  of  war  ;  and 
the  American  flag  under  which  he  had  gallantly  fought, 
enclosed  his  reliques  as  they  were  borne  to  the  vault, 
where  his  slain  midshipman,  Mr.  Delphy  had  previously 
been  deposited.     Like  the  gallant  Lawrence,  he  fear-, 
lessly  fought — he  nobly  fell — and  was— 


u 


By  strangers  honour'd,  and  by  strangers  mourn'd." 


Upon  the  4th  October,  Comra.  Decatur  abandoned 
the  fort  he  had  erected  on  Dragon  Hill — descended  the 
river  about  three  miles,  determining  to  watch  every 
possible  opportunity  to  escape  from  his  irksome  and 
disheartening  situation.     It  was  doubtless  as  irksome 


208  LIFE  OF 

for  Coram.  Hardy  to  blockade,  as  it  was  for  Comra.  De- 
catur to  be  blockaded — they  both  preferred  a  more  ac- 
tive and  glorious  service.  But  the  fortune  of  war  had 
placed  them  in  this  situation  ;  and  if  it  had  been  the 
pleasure  of  their  several  governments,  that  they  should 
have  remained  in  it  during  life,  ihey  must  either  have 
fought  their  way  out  of  it, — submitted  to  it,  or  left  a 
service  from  which  they  derived  their  highest  enjoy- 
ment. 

The  vigilance  of  the  blockading  squadron  was  such, 
that  no  opportunity,  for  a  long  time  occurred  to  at- 
tempt an  escape  with  any  hopes  of  success.  Indeed, 
it  was  the  bounden  duty  of  the  British  squadron,  to  pre- 
vent Comm.  Decatur's  escape,  or  to  capture  or  destroy 
his  ship  ;  and  if  they  had  failed  to  do  one  of  them,  ev- 
ery officer4  n  the  enemy's  sqnadron  would  have  met 
with  the  severe  punishment  which  a  British  naval 
court  martial  invariably  inflict  for  the  uiost  trifling 
omission  of  duty  or  commission  of  error. 

It  is  always  the  policy  of  war  to  obtain  the  most  cor- 
rect intelligence  cf  an  enemy's  situation — the  amount 
of  his  force — his  movements,  and,  if  possible,  his  inten- 
tions. The  British  almost  invariably  have  their  emis- 
saries in  the  midst  of  their  enemies.  It  is  easy,  from 
the  similarity  of  language,  and  appearance,  to  intro- 
duce their  own  subjects  into  an  American  Squadron,  or 
Encampment  ;  and  such  is  the  weakness  or  corruption 
of  man,  it  is  not  hard,  even  to  bribe  their  enemies  with 
gold.  That  the  British  had  emissaries  of  one  or  the 
other  character  at  New-London,  is  placed  beyond  the 
doubts  even  of  stubborn  incredulity,  unless  of  that 
stubbornness  which  is  often  the  last  subterfuge  of  guilt. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  209 

The  citizens  of  New-London  and  Groton  had  passed 
through  the  very  extremity  of  sufferings,  inflicted  up 
on    them  by  the  most  execrable  of  traitors — Benedict 
Arnold  ;  and  the  most  remote  suspicion  of  treason,  could 
not  for  a  moment  attach  itself  to  them.     Their  patriot- 
ism in  theirs*  war  between  the   Republic  and  Britain 
— and  the  avidity  with  which  they  flew  to  arms  in  the 
second,  to   defend   Coram.    Decatur's    squadron,  most 
forcibly    repels  the    least  imputation   of  disaffection. 
But  they  had  in  the  midst  of  them,  either  foreign  emis- 
saries, or  domestic  traitors,  from  some  where  ;  and  they 
could  not  detect  them.     Even  the  chosen  followers  of 
the  Redeemer  innocently   harboured  and  caressed  an 
unknown   traitor  ;    and    if  an  American    accepted    of 
M  thirty  pieces  of  silver,"   or  thirty  thousand  of  gold, 
to  betray  his  country,  it  is  not  to  be  regretted  if  he  has 
met  with  the  fate  of  Iscariot. 

But  let  the  language  of  the  noble,  the  patriotic,  and, 
in  this  instance,  the  indignant  Decatur,  speak  for  it- 
self. 

"  New-London,  Dec.  20th,  1813. 
"  Some  few  nights  since,  the  weather  promised  an 
opportunity  for  this  squadron  to  get  to  sea,  and  it  was 
said  on  shore  that  we  intended  to  make  the  attempt. 
In  the  cour?e  of  the  evening  two  blue  lights  were 
burnt  on  both  the  points  at  the  harbour's  mouth  as  sig- 
nals to  the  enemy,  and  there  is  not  a  doubt,  but  that 
they  have  by  signals  and  otherwise,  instantaneous  infor- 
mation of  our  movements.  Great  but  unsuccessful  ex- 
ertions have  been  made  to  detect  those  who  communi- 
cate with  the  enemy  by  signal.     The  editor  of  the  New- 


e* 


*  n    -k 


210  LIFE  OF 

London  Gazette,  to  alarm  them,  and  in  hope  to  prevent 
the  repetition  of  these  signals,  stated  in  that  newspaper, 
that  they  had  been  observed,  and  ventured  to  denounce 
those  who  had  made  them  in  animated  and  indignant 
terms.  The  consequence  is,  that  he  has  incurred  the 
express  censure  of  some  of  his  neighbours.  Notwith- 
standing these  signals  have  been  repeated,  and  have 
been  seen  by  20  persons  at  least  in  this  squadron,  there 
are  men  in  N.  London  who  have  the  hardihood  to  affect 
to  disbelieve  it,  and  the  effrontery  to  avow  their  disbe- 
lief. I  am,  sir,  with  the  highest  consideration  and  res- 
pect, your  very  obedient  and  humble  servant. 

(Signed)  STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

Hon.  Win.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

Here  let  the  gloomy  subject  rest.  The  bosom  of 
the  patriot  cannot  be  disturbed  by  it  ;  and  as  to  the 
traitors  who  k4  burnt  the  two  blue  lights ,"  if  still  in  exis- 
tence, may  their  pillows  be  pillows  of  thorns — may 
their  sleep  be  agony  ;  and  may  they  even  be  deprived 
of  tears  to  appease  the  gnawing?  of  guilt,  until  they 
confess  it,  and  become  the  subjects  of  human  justice, 
and,  if  so  decreed,  of  divine  mercy. 

Comm.  Decatur,  Capts.  Jones  and  Biddle,  as  they 
could  not  escape,  and  as  the  enemy  would  not  attack 
them  at  anchor,  turned  their  attention  to  a  new  species 
of  naval  armament,  invented  by  that  unequalled  me- 
chanist, Koblrt  Fulton.  As  it  is  embraced  in  the  ob- 
ject of  this  work  to  blend  with  the  biography  of  Comm. 
Decatur  "  brief  notices  of  the  origin,  progress  and  a- 
chievemenls  of  the  American  Navy ,"  it  is  deemed  useful 
to  furnish  the  reader  with  his  opinion  and  that  of  other 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  211 

distinguished  naval   characters,   of   Fulton's   Steam 
Frigate. 

"  New- London ,  January  3,  1814. 
We,  the  undersigned,  have  this  day  examined  the 
model  aud  plans  of  a  vessel  of  war,  submitted  to  us  by 
Robert  Fulton,  to  carry  24  guns,  24  or  32  pounders, 
and  use  red  hot  shot  to  be  propelled  by  steam  at  the 
speed  of  from  4  to  5  miles  an  hour,  without  the  aid  of 
wind  or  tide.  The  properties  of  which  vessel  are  : 
That  without  masts  or  sails,  she  can  move  with  sufficient 
speed  ;  that  her  machinery  being  guarded,  she  cannot 
be  crippled  ;  that  her  sides  are  so  thick  as  to  be  im- 
penetrable to  every  kind  of  shot — and  in  a  calm  or  light 
breeze,  she  can  take  choice  of  position  or  distance  from 
an  enemy.  Considering  the  speed  which  the  applica- 
cion  of  steam  ha?  already  given  to  heavy  floating  bodies, 
we  have  full  confidence,  that  should  such  a  vessel  move 
only  four  miles  an  hour,  she  could,  under  favourable 
circumstances  which  may  always  be  gained  over  ene- 
mies' vessels  in  our  ports,  harbours,  bays,  and  sounds, 
be  rendered  more  formidable  to  an  enemy  than  any  kind 
of  engine  hitherto  invented.  And  in  such  case  she 
would  be  equal  to  the  destruction  of  one  or  more  74's, 
or  of  compelling  her  or  them  to  depart  from  our  waters. 
We,  therefore,  give  it  as  our  decided  opinion,  that  it  is 
among  the  best  interests  of  the  United  States,  to  carry 
this  plan  into  immediate  execution. 

(Signed)  STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

J.  JONES. 

J.  BIDDLE, 


212  LIFE  OF 

New  York,  Jan.  10,  1814. 
We,  the  subscribers,  having  examined  the  model  of 
he  above  described  vessel  of  war,  to  be  propelled   by 
steam,  do  fully  concur  in  the  above  opinion  of  the  prac- 
ticability and  utility  of  the  same. 

(Signed)  SAMUEL  EVANS, 

O.  H.  PERRY. 
L.  WARRINGTON. 
J.  LEWIS." 

It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  this  novel,  floating  engine 
of  destruction  had  not  been  in  readiness  to  test  its  pow- 
er upon  the  Royal  Navy  of  Britain  in  the  second  war  : 
and  although  a  third  one  is  to  be  deprecated,  it  is  ardent- 
ly hoped  by  every  lover  of  the  Republic  that  in  a  future 
war  with  that  or  any  other  power,  such  engines  or 
some  others,  may  protect  our  "  ports,  harbours,  bays 
and  sounds"  from  the  depredation  of  every  hostile  in- 
truder. 

To  return  to  Comm.  Decatur,  and  his  blockaded 
squadron,  and  to  Comm.  Hardy  who  was  still  blocka- 
ding him.  Capt.  Moran,  had  been  captured  and  was 
on  board  the  Ramilies.  Sir  Thomas  remarked  to  him 
— "•  Now  that  two  frigates  wpre  off,  of  equal  force  to 
the  United  States  and  Macedonian,  he  should  have  no 
objections  to  a  meeting  taking  pi  ice,  bet  that  he  could 
not  allow  the  challenge  to  come  from  the  English  com.' 
manders."  Capt.  Moran  was  paroled — cam*3  on  shore, 
and  without  knowing  Cornm.  Decatur,  mentioned  the 
circumstance  in  his  hearing.  He  immediately  dispatch- 
ed Capt.  Biddle  ioa  flag  of  truce,  with  ackallenge  from 
the  American  commanders.     The  crews  of  the  United 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  213 

States  and  Macedonian  were  called,  and  laconically  ad- 
dressed. Comm.  Decatur  said — "  Officers  and  seamen 
— You  will  shortly  be  called  upon  again  to  try  your 
skill  and  valour.  This  ship  and  his  Britannic  Majesty's 
ship  Endymion  of  equal  force  will  speedily  try  their 
strength.  You  are  accustomed  to  victory,  and  you  will 
not  tarnish  the  glory  you  have  already  won.  I  have 
no  fears  for  the  result." 

The  ardent,  yet  modest  Capt.  Jones,  addressed  his 
officers  and  seamen  nearly  as  follows. — fc'  My  lads — the 
Macedonian  was  once  conquered  by  American  tars,  and 
sJie  will  soon  have  an  opportunity  to  gain  a  victory  her- 
self. You  have  not  forgotten  the  Sloop  of  war  Frolic^ 
and  you  will  shortly  be  introduced  to  the  Frigate  Stati- 
ra.  My  lads — our  cruise  will  be  short,  and  I  trust  a 
very  profitable  one." — Three  hearty  cheers  were  giv- 
en  in  answer  to  these  addresses. 

Comm.  Hardy,  by  signals,  called  the  commanders  of 
the  Endymion  and  Statira  on  board  the  Rarnilies,  and 
modestly  said  to  them — "Gentlemen,  here  are  two 
letters  for  you — it  rests  altogether  with  you  to  decide 
the  matter." — Capt.  Stackpole  answered — "  Ton  hon- 
nour,  sir,  it  is  the  most  acceptable  letter  I  ever  receiv- 
ed." Capt.  Hope  of  the  Endymion  was  less  boisterous 
and  probably  more  courageous. 

All  was  animation  in  the  frigates  United  States  and 
Macedonian.  The  officers  and  seamen  were  anxious 
to  be  led  immediately  into  the  contest — when  lo  !  the 
Borer  sloop  of  war  came  in  and  informed  that  the  invi- 
tation had  been  finally  declined  ! 

A  correspondence  followed  upon  this  subject  be- 
tween Commodores    Decatur   and  Hardy,  and   Capt. 


214  LIFE    OF 

Stackpole,  quite  too  prolix  for  insertion  at  length.  A 
paragraph  from  Stackpole's  letter  will  be  introduced  to 
show  the  difference  between  him,  and  those  who  know 
what  belongs  to  an  accomplished  officer — In  his  letter 
of  January  17th  1814,  he  says  : — 

"  The  honor  of  my  king,  the  defence  of  my  country, 
engaged  in  a  just  and  unprovoked  war,  added  to  the 
glory  of  the  British  flag,  is  all  I  have  in  view." 

The  "  honour  of  his  king  and  country"  would  not  be 
much  advanced  by  having  those  affairs  of  state  settled 
in  the  cabin  of  the  Statira,  by  Capt.  Hassard  Stackpole, 
which  belong  to  the  ministers  of  his  Majesty  at  St. 
James. 

The  commander  of  the  frigate  Statira,  (if  men  and 
things  have  any  analogy)  would  have  been  more  ap- 
proprint^ly  located  in  the  British  tfrig  Swaggerer,  16 
gun9,  (se?1.  preceding  Navy  List.) — To  be  excused  for 
a  little  pedantry,  "  Statira"  signifies  a  suspension  of 
i&ratk,  and  the  meaning  of  "  Swaggerer"  is,  like  the  old 
Almanacs—"  familiar  to  the  meanest  capacity." 

Comm.  Decatur  thus  elegantly  and  pointedly  con- 
cludes his  letter  of  January  19th  :  — 

"  Whether  the  war  we  are  engaged  in  be  just  or  un- 
provoked on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  as  Capt.  Stack- 
pole  has  been  pleased  to  suggest,  is  considered  by  us 
as  a  que-tion  exclusively  with  the  civilians,  and  I  am 
perfectly  ready  to  admit  both  my  incompetence  and 
unwillingness  to  confront  Capt.  Stackpole  in  its  discus- 
sion. I  am  Sir,  with  the  highest  consideration  and 
respect,  (Signed)  STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

To  Comm.  Sir  Thomas Masterman  Hardy,  Bart.  #c." 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  215 

Comm.  Hardy  finishes  the  correspondence  upon  this 
subject  in  these  terms  : — 

"  I  beg  to  assure  you,  Sir,  I  shall  hail  with  pleasure 
the  return  of  an  amicable  adjustment  of  the  differences 
between  the  two  nations,  and  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

(Signed)  THOS.  MASTERMAN  HARDY. 

To  Comm.  Stephen  Decatur,  fyc.  4*c   #c.  N.  London." 

It  really  excites  astonishment  that  two  officers  like 
Sir  T.  M.  Hardy  and  Capt.  H.  Stackpole  engaged  for 
the  same  "  king  and  country"  should  hold  language  so 
diametrically  opposite — but — "  who  shall  decide  when 
doctors  disagree." 

It  will  be  recollected  that  the  sentiment  given  by 
Comm.  Decatur  at  the  dinner  furnished  his  crew  at 
New  York  was — '  Free  Trade,  and  no  Impressment.' 
To  ensure  the  one^-GnJ  prevent  the  other,  were  the 
great  causes  for  which  he  was  then,  and  always  had 
been  contending,  both  with  Christians  and  Mahometans, 
for  Mahometan  slavery  is  not  much  to  be  preferred  to 
Christian  impressment.  He  was  emphatically  "  The 
Sailor's  Friend,"  and  would  exert  every  nerve  to  re- 
lieve them  from  distress,  or  restore  them  from  bon- 
dage. 

In  April  1813,  ^father  came  to  New  London  to  res- 
cue a  son  from  bondage.  It  was  an  aged  man  by  the 
name  of  Alfred  Carpenter,  of  Norwich,  (Conn.)  If 
there  can  be  any  thing  like  good  fortune  in  bondage,  it 
was  so  for  John  Carpenter  that  he  had  been  in  a  British 
ship  five  years  with  Sir  T.  M.  Hardy,  or  others  like 
him.  A  flag  of  truce  was  immediately  dispatched  to 
the  Eamilies,  with  the  father.     He  was  courteously  re- 


216  LIFE  OF 

ceived  on  board.  Sir  Thomas  witnessed  the  embrace 
of  the  father  and  son,  with  the  rapture  of  a  benignant 
heart — immediately  discharged  the  worthy  and  grateful 
seaman  who  had  become  a  favourite,  and  gave  him  the 
necessary  documents  to  obtain  $23C0  as  wages  and 
prize-money.  Let  the  language  of  this  magnanimous 
enemy  speak  his  eulogy. 

"  H.  M.  SHIP  RAMILIES. 

Of  Block  Island,  April  29,  1813. 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  yesterday's  date,  and  in  reply  I  beg 
leave  to  say,  that  it  is  far  from  the  wish  of  the  comman- 
der in  chief  on  this  station,  to  keep  any  subject  belong- 
ing to  the  United  States,  on  board  any  of  our  ships  of 
war.  I  have  therefore  sent  by  the  bearer  of  this,  John 
Carpenter  ;  and  if  I  thought  there  was  another  citizen 
of  the  United  States  on  board  the  ship  I  have  the  honor 
to  command,  he  should  be  sent  by  the  same  conveyance. 
I  have  directed  the  Orpheus  to  land  all  the  prisoners 
she  has  on  board,  by  getting  proper  receipts  for  them, 
and  if  the  government  of  America  do  not  think  proper 
to  send  back  the  few  men  who  have  unfortunately  fallen 
into  their  hands,  I  shall  acquit  myself  of  having  done 
every  thing  in  my  power  to  lessen  the  hardships  at- 
tached to  the  fortune  of  war  ;  and  shall,  (though  with 
much  reluctance)  in  future  be  under  the  necessity  of 
sending  all  the  prisoners  to  Halifax  or  Bermuda.  I  have 
sent  by  the  flag  of  truce  Capt.  Hudson,  who  was  captu- 
red by  the  Ramilies  a  few  days  ago  ;  may  I  beg  of  you 
to  send  a  receipt  for  him,  with  the  other  prisoners  ? 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  yours  most  faithfully, 

T.  M.  HARDY. 
To  James  Stewart,  esq.  agent  for  British  prisoners,  4*c." 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  217 

In  March,  1814,  Capt.  Thomas  B.  Capel  became 
commander  of  the  British  Squadron  off  New-London, 
in  the  La  Hogue,  74.  Comm.  Decatur  discovered  that  t 
Capt.  Stackpole  had  an  American  seaman,  impressed  in 
August  1803,  and  that  he  had  been  in  the  Statira  six 
years.  His  name  wa3  Hiram  Thaijer,  of  Greenwich, 
(Mass.)  Comm.  Decatur  dispatched  Lieut.  Hamilton 
with  a  flag  to  demand  his  discharge.  Stackpole  refused 
to  discharge  him,  although  the  evidence  of  his  nativity 
was  as  clear  as  that  of  the  Prince  Regent,  under  whom 
he  served.  The  father  of  Thayer  arrived  at  New- 
London  in  search  for  his  lost  son. 

I  cannot  deny  myself  nor  the  reader  the  pleasure 
and  the  indignation  of  inserting  an  extract  of  Comm. 
Decatur's  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and 
Capt.  Capel's  to  him  upon  this  subject.  Pleasure,  to 
discover  the  goodness  of  the  Commodore's  heart,  and 
Capt.  Capel's  urbanity — indignation  at  the  diabolical 
wickedness  of  the  gasconading  Stackpole  towards  un- 
resisting wretchedness.  Let  official  documents  tell 
the  rest. 

Extract. 
U.  S.  S.  United  States,  N.  London,  March  8th,  1814. 

Sir — John  Thayer,  the  father  of  Hiram,  assures  me 
that  the  certificate  of  the  selectmen,  the  town  clerk, 
and  the  minister  of  Greenwich,  vvere  forwarded  some 
time  ago  to  Mr.  Mitchell,  the  resident  agent  for  Ameri- 
can prisoners  of  war  at  Halifax,  but  does  not  know  the 
reason  why  he  was  not  discharged  then. 

The  son  has  written  to  the  father,  and  informed  him, 
that  on  his  representing  to  Capt.  Stackpole  that  he  was 

'9 


218  LIFE  OF 

an  American  citizen  and  would  not  fight  against  his  coun- 
try, that  Capt.  Stackpole  told  him  "  if they  fell  in -with 
an  American  man  of  war,  and  he  did  not  do  his  duty,  he 
should  be  tied  to  the  mast  and  shot  at  like  a  dog  !  /" 

On  Monday  the  14th  kist.  John  Thayer  requested 
me  to  allow  him  a  flag  to  go  off  to  the  enemy,  and  ask 
the  release  of  his  son.  This  I  granted  at  once,  and 
addressed  a  note  to  Capt.  Cape!,  stating  that  I  felt  per- 
suaded that  the  application  of  the  father,  furnished  as 
he  was  with  conclusive  evidence  of  the  nativity  and  the 
identity  of  the  son,  would  induce  an  immediate  order 
for  his  discharge.  The  reply  is  enclosed.  The  son 
descried  his  father  at  a  distance  in  the  boat,  and  told  the 
1st  lieutenant  of  the  Staiira  that  it  was  his  father ;  and  I 
understand  the  feelings  manifested  by  the  old  man,  on  re- 
ceiving the  hand  of  his  son,  proved-  beyond  all  other  evi- 
dence the  property  he  had  in  him.  There  was  not  a  doubt 
left  on  the  mind  of  a  single  British  officer,  of  Hiram 
Thayer's  being  an  American  citizen — and  yet  he  is 
detained,  not  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  but  compelled,  under 
the  most  cruel  threats,  to  serve  the  enemies  of  his  country. 

Thayer  has  so  recommended  himself  by  his  sobriety, 
industry,  and  seamanship,  as  to  be  appointed  a  boat- 
swain's mate,  and  is  now  serving  in  that  capacity  in 
the  Statira — and  he  says  there  is  due  to  him  from  the 
British  government  about  250/.  sterling.  He  has  also 
assured  his  father,  that  he  has  always  refused  to  re- 
ceive any  bounty  or  advance,  lest  it  might  afford  some 
pretext  for  denying  him  his  discharge  whenever  a  pro- 
per application  should  be  made  for  it. 
I  am,  Sir,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  219 

CAPTAIN  CAPEL'S  LETTER,  ENCLOSED. 

H.  B.  M.  Ship  La  Hague,  off 
N.  London,  14th  March,  1814. 
Sir — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter,  together  with  the  certiticates  of  ex- 
change and  discharge  from  parole,  forwarded  to  you  at 
the  request  of  Col.  Barclay  the  commissary-general  of 
British  prisoners  of  war  ;  and  I  beg  to  return  you  my 
thanks  for  your  polite  attention. 

I  regret  that  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  comply  with 
your  request,  in  ordering  the  son  of  Mr.  John  Thayer 
to  be  discharged  from  H.  M.  ship  Statira,  but  I  will 
forward  your  application  to  thv*  commander  in  chief  by 
the  earliest  opportunity,  and  I  have  no  doubt  he  will 
order  his  immediate  discharge.*     I  am  sir,  &c. 

THOMAS  B.  CAPEL,  Capt. 
Commanding  H.  B.  M.  Squadron  offN.  London. 
To  Comm.  Decatur,  Com.  U.  S.  Squadron  JV.  London. 

It  is  with  delight,  wholly  inexpressible  that  such  in- 
stances of  humanity  and  philanthrophy  are  recorded. 
They  serve  for  a  time  to  make — "  Grim  visag'd  war  to 
smooth  its  wrinkled  front,"  and  to  afford  some  refuta- 
tion of  the  melancholy  and  pathetic  exclamation  of  an- 
other of  the  poets  of  nature  — 

"  Man's  inhumanity  to  man, 

Makes  countless  thousands  mourn.1'  ' 

Should  the  examples  of  such  officers  as  the  noble 
Decatur,  and  the  no  less  noble  Hardy,  find  imitation 
with  all  the  officers  of  the  American  Republic  and  the 

*  Thayer  was  afterwards  discharged. 


220  LIFE  OF 

British  Empire,  the  time  might  come,  when  the  Eagle 
and  the  Lion  as  well  as  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  would 
lie  down  together — and  the  sound  of  the  Lute  would  be 
heard  where  the  Clarion  of  war  resounds. — It  is  worse 
than  futile  to  expatiate  upon  the  hackneyed  idea  that 
Americans  and  Englishmen  have  one  common  origin 
and  ought  to  be  friends.  Let  the  British  parliament 
learn  from  the  "  Lords  Spiritual"  who  carry  the  "  sane- 
tit}'  of  their  lawn"  into  its  senate,  and  mingle  it  with 
kC  the  pure  ermine  of  justice"  that  adorns  its  "  Lords 
Temporal"  that  harmony  is  not  to  be  obtained  by  inso- 
lence and  injustice* — and  that  a  race  of  men  like  A- 
rnericans,  when  injured  will  always  obtain  redress — 
and  that  Englishmen,  when  invading  this  sacred  right, 
will  always  be  compelled  to  submit. 

While  Comm.  Decatur,  was  thus  cut  off  from  display- 
ing his  skill  and  valour  upon  a  more  extended  theatre, 
the  reader  has  been  furnished  with  a  few,  out  of*the 
numerous  instances  of  his  active  attention  to  every 
thing  relating  to  the  navy  and  to  seamen,  that  came 
within  his  immediate  observation.  This  tended  in  a 
degree  to  dissipate  the  languor  which  inaction  will  pro- 
duce in  the  most  active  spirit. 

The  summer  and  autumn  of  1814,  presented  to  the 
view  of  Americans,  many  objects  calculated  to  excite 
their  deepest  solicitude,  and  to  call  forth  their  highest 
energies.  The  fleets  and  armies  of  the  "Allied  Sove- 
reigns" of  Europe,  in  the   van  of  which,  our   enemy 

*  The  great  Lord  Erskine,  in  July,  1820,  thus  addressed  the 
Peers  of  England  : — "  Remember  to  be  just  ; — we  stood  above 
all  other  countries  in  our  character  for  justice  and  equity,  let  us 
be  careful  not  to  forfeit  that  character." 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  221 

went  on  conquering  and  to  conquer,  had  restored  eve- 
ry "  legitimate  sovereign"  that  could  be  found,  and  a 
sullen  peace  followed  in  Europe.  The  British  minis- 
try had  disgorged  their  unoccupied  troops  upon  our 
northern  borders,  with  some  of  their  best  generals  ; 
and  Coram.  Downie,  one  of  their  distinguished  naval 
commanders,  had  a  decided  superiority  of  force  to 
Comm.  Macdonough.  The  command  of  Lake  Charn- 
plain,  at  this  momentous  crisis,  was  of  more  importance, 
perhaps,  than  that  of  any  other  of  the  interiour  waters 
upon  the  continent  of  America.  The  hopes  of  the 
Northern  and  Middle  states  were  fixed  upon  the  gal- 
lant Macdonough,  aud  their  fears  were  excited  irom  his 
inferiority  of  force.  No  one  could  participate  more 
deeply  in  those  feelings  than  Comm.  Decatur,  who 
wa*  precluded  from  participating  in  the  danger  of  his 
admired  friend.  Decatur  and  Macdonough  had  gone 
hand  in  band  in  the  great  Mediterranean  school,  and 
in  the  desperate  conflicts  with  tne  Tripolitans.  The 
latter,  then'in  a  minor  station,  had  followed  the  former 
in  defending  against  the  attacks  of  Syracusans  with  their 
daggers  and  stilettoes — the  second  that  gained  the  deck 
of  the  Philadelphia  after  him,  and  valiantly  succoured 
him  in  conquering  the  hc?t  of  Turks,  and  destroying 
the  frigate — and,  tu  complete  the  climax  of  unsurpass- 
ed deeds  of  "noble  daring,"  he  was  his  main  support 
in  that  unequalled  contest  with  the  Tripolitan  Gun- 
boats in  avenging  the  death  of  Lieut.  Decatur. 

After  this  rapid  sketch,  I  leave  it  for  the  reader  to 
judge  what  must  have  been  the  rapture  and  exultation 
of  Comm.  Decatur,  when  the  splendid  and  glorious 
victory  of  September  llth,  1814,  was  announced!    Had 

19* 


222  LIFE  OF 

he  gained  the  victory  himself,  his  joy  would  not  have 
been  exceeded.  It  was  not  only  that  his  admired 
friend  and  former  associate  had  added  to  the  laurels  he 
had  previously  won,  but  that  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant sections  of  the  Republic  was  saved  from  the  dep- 
redations of  such  a  Vandal  foe  as  had  devastated  the 
western  frontier— the  borders  of  the  Chesapeake — 
and  the  Metropolis. 

This  was  one  of  the  hardest  fought  battles  and  im- 
portant victories  during  the  war,  as  the  enemy  knew 
the  immense  consequences  a  victory  would  have  been 
to  themselves;  and  the  slaughter  amongst  them  was 
dreadful.  Comm.  Macdonough's  fleet  was  at  anchor 
in  Plattsburgh  bay,  and  the  immense  British  army  as 
confidently  expected  to  witness  a  sudden  victory  over 
him  as  commander  in  chief,  as  the  hosts  of  Tripolitans 
did,  when  he  was  a  Midshipman  under  Comm.  Decatur. 
The  disappointment  of  both  was  equal  ;  and  they  fled 
with  almost  equal  precipitation  when  they  heard  the 
roar  of  American  cannon,  and  witnessed  the  destructive 
effect  of  the  unequalled  gunnery  of  American  seamen. 
The  admirable  order  in  which  Comm.  Macdonough  had 
arranged  hi*  fleet,  has  ever  been  spoken  of,  as  evinc- 
ing the  utmost  nautical  skill,  and  naval  science.  His 
ship,  the  Saratoga,  for  a  considerable  time  bore  nearly 
the  whole  weight  of  the  enemy's  fire.  Her  starboard 
side  had  nearly  every  gun  dismounted.  Had  he  at  this 
period,  struck  his  flag  to  a  force  so  much  superior,  not 
even  a  whisper  of  censure  would  have  been  heard  ; 
but  it  was  at  this  portentous  moment,  that  the  charac- 
ter of  Macdonough  developed  itself.  With  perfect 
self  possession,  he  winded  his  ship — brought  a  fresh 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  223 

broad-side  on  Comm.  Downie's  ship — compelled  her  to 
strike  her  flag — then  sprang  a  broadside  upon  another 
ship — compelled  her  to  strike  also,  and  the  victory 
was  obtained.  This  faint  sketch  is  only  given  to  carry 
along  with  the  menoirs  of  Comm.  Decatur  the  greater 
achievements  of  our  Navy  ;  and  more  particularly, 
those  of  his  associates  in  the  Mediterranean.  He  had 
previously  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  congratulating 
many  of  them  for  their  skill,  valour,  and  victories  over 
a  powerful  Christian  enemy,  as  he  once  saw  them  as- 
sist in  compelling  Mahometans  to  bow.  His  joy  was 
enhanced  when  he  embraced  his  gallant  friend  Mac- 
noNouoH  as  one  of  the  "conquering  heroes." 


224  LIFE    OF 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Comm.  Deeatur  dismantles  the  frigates  United  States  and 
Macedonian — Achieveme  nts  of  the  Essex,  Capt.  Porter — Ex- 
pedition to  the  East  Indies  resolved  upon  by  the  Navy  Depart- 
ment—sThe  Squadron  for  that  service — Comm.  Decatur  de- 
signated as  commander  of  it — Sails  in  the  frigate  President, 
encounters  and  beats  the  frigate  Endymion,  and  surrenders  to 
the  whole  British  Squadron — His  official  account  of  the  action 
— Additional  particulars — Falsehoods  of  an  English  editor, 
and  the  consequences  of  them — The  remainder  of  Comm.  De- 
catur's Squadron,  Hornet  and  Peacock. 

Comrn.  Decatur  remained  at  New-London  with  his 
squadron  through  that  part  of  the  season  of  1814,  du- 
ring which  there  was  any  reasonable  hope  that  he  might 
escape  the  British  blockading  force,  and  put  to  sea 
with  his  ships.  When  the  season  arrived  which  pre- 
cluded all  hopes  of  escaping,  he  moved  the  frigates 
United  States  and  Macedonian  to  the  head  of  naviga- 
tion in  the  river  Thames,  for  ships  of  heavy  burthen, 
and  dismantled  them.  The  Sloop  of  War  Hornet,  lie 
order  id  to  remain  at  her  station  as  a  guard-ship, 

At  the  commencement  of  the  year  1815,  the  Navy 
Department  determined  to  make  an  attempt  to  send  a 
squadron  to  the  East-Indies,  to  protect  American  com- 
merce in  those  seas,  and  to  annoy  the  enemy  in  that  re- 
gion. It  was  well  known  what  the  gallant  and  deter- 
mined Capt.  Porter  had  accomplished  in  a  single  frigate, 
the  little  Essex,  in  another  quarter.  The  history  of 
naval  enterprise  and  perseverance  does  not  afford  a 
parallel  to  that  which  he  accomplished.     He  literally 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  225 

swept  British  commerce  from  an  immense  ocean.  His 
little  frigate,  in  her  eccentric  course,  spread  as  much 
consternation  amongst  British  merchants,  as  the  comet 
once  did  amongst  timid  women,  and  men  who  think  and 
act  like  timid  women.  No  human  calculation  could  de- 
termine where  the  Essex  would  strike,  or  what  she 
would  burn.  The  Lords-Commissioners  of  the  whole 
Admiralty  of  Britain  dispatched  ship  after  ship,  and 
squadron  after  squadron — the  "  north  gave  up,  and  the 
south  kept  not  back"— almost  every  thing  of  British 
that  could  float,  was  dispatched  to  catch  the  little  Essex. 
She  had  taken  from  British  purses  two  million  dollars, 
a  sum  sufficient  to  build  six  74  gun  ships,  and  to  capture 
her  cost  the  treasury  of  Englandybe  million  dollars — 
of  course  sufficient  to  buildfifteen  74  gun  ships.  But 
while  enjoying  a  short  respite  from  her  labours,  under 
the  supposed  protection  of  a  neutral  port,  a  British 
squadron  under  Gomm.  Hillyer,  after  being  all  but  con- 
quered himself,  took  the  little  Essex,  in  a  state  so  ridd- 
led and  battered  by  the  gallant  and  desperate  defence 
she  made,  that  it  is  doubtful,  whether  the  same  Essex 
is  now  ranked  in  the  List  of  the  Royal  Navy.  As  she 
was  taken  in  opeu  violation  of  the  Law  of  Nations,  in 
a  neutral  port,  sober  gallant  commander,  after  his  en- 
emies had  violated  the  law  of  honour,  returned  to  his 
country  and  his  duty,  without  being  exchanged  for  a 
Captain  of  the  British  Navy.* 

However  unpropitious  the  prospect  might  be  of  an 
American  ship  or  squadron  escaping  the  enemy's  ships 
which  lined  our  coast,  and  choked  our  sounds,  bays, 

*Vide  Comm.  Porter's  official  report, 


226  LIFE    OF 

and  harbours,  the  Navy  Department  resolved  to  send 
every  armed  ship  to  sea,  that  could  reach  it  by  escaping 
the  enemy,  or  fighting  a  passage  through  them.  Our 
Naval  officers  reversed  the  maxim  of  the  British  knight 
who  declared  that — "  It  was  betterto  die  with  rust,  than 
to  be  scoured  to  death  with  perpetual  motion. "'*  They 
felt  as  impatient  out  of  water  as  the  leviathan,  which 
majestically  maintains  his  dominion  in  the  mighty  deep. 

The  squadron  designed  for  the  important  cruise  to 
the  East-  Indies  and  the  commander,  will  be  directly 
mentioned.  The  Hornet  was  still  at  New-London  un- 
der the  command  of  Capt.  Biddle.  He  was  ordered,  if 
possible,  to  escape  from  the  harbour  of  New-London  by 
the  blockading  squadron  there,  and  reach  New-York 
through  the  squadron  off  the  Hook,  consisting  of  a  num- 
ber of  frigates,  sloops  of  war  and  a  razee.  Capt.  Bid- 
die  had  a  duty  of  extreme  difficulty  to  perform  in  reach- 
ing the  harbour  of  New- York  ;  but  with  the  most  ad- 
mirable skill,  upon  the  night  of  the  18th  November,  he 
eluded  the  vigilant  watch  of  the  British  squadron  at 
New-London, — passed  through  that  off  New- York,  and 
joined  tbe  other  ships  of  the  American  sqnadron.  This 
achievement  alone  entitles  Capt.  Biddle  to  an  high 
rank  amongst  accomplished  navigators. 

The  ships  and  officers -of  this  squadron  consisted  of 
the  frigate  President,  Comni.  Decatur — Sloops  of  war, 
Hornet,  Capt.  Biddle — Peacock,  (new)  Capt.  Warring- 
ton, and  Tom  Bowline,  (storeship,)  Lieut.  Hoffman.!     A 

*  Vide  Shakespeare's  Henry  IV. 

t  As  this  is  the  first  time  the  name  of  Lieut.   B.  V.  Hoffman 
has  occurred  in  these  sketches,  it  may  gratify  the  reader  to  leara 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  227 

little  embarrassment  arose  at  the  Navy  Department  in 
consequence  of  designating  Comm.  Decatur  as  com- 
mander of  the  President.  Comm.  Rodgers  had  recent- 
ly returned  from  a  cruise  in  that  ship,  and,  as  she  need- 
ed repairs,  the  command  of  the  Gurriere,  nearly  ready 
for  sea,  was  offered  to  him.  He  preferred  retaining 
the  command  of  the  President,  which  had  been  offered 
to  Comm.  Decatur.  Thus  circumstanced,  Comm. 
Rodgers,  with  his  characteristic  magnanimity,  gave  the 
choice  of  ships  to  Comm.  Decatur,  who  took  the  Presi- 
dent. 

The  squadron  was  fitted  for  seaby  the  14th  January. 
Comm.  Decatur,  fully  aware  that  if  he  got  to  sea,  he 
must  go  through  a   host   of  enemy's  ships,    cautiously 
determined  to  sail  singly   himself,   and   designated  the 

that  he  was  a  Lieutenant  on  board  the  Constitution,  Capt.  Stew- 
"^.rt?  in  the  distinguished  action  on  the  20th  Fehruary,  1815,  be- 
tween that  ship  and  the  two  ships  of  war  Cyane  and  Levant.  The 
year  before,  the  Cyane  engaged  a  French  44  gun  frigate  and 
fought  her  until  a  British  74  came  up  and  took  her — and  but  a 
short  period  before  that,  she  engaged  a.  frigate,  14  gun  brig  and 
Jive  gun-boats,  and  beat  them  off,  for  which  the  commander  de- 
servedly received  the  honours  of  knighthood— yet,  with  the  as- 
sistance of  the  Levant,  of  21  guns,  she  and  her  consort  both 
struck  to  the  Constitution,  most  emphatically  called  "  Old  Iron- 
Sides.^  Lieut.  Hoffman  was  dispatched  witb  the  Cyane  to  A- 
merica— through  all  the  enemyls  ships  arrived  at  New- York' 
and  elegantly  described  the  action  in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Navy.  Capt.  Stewart  says  in  his  official  letter — "  He 
gallantly  supported  the  reputation  of  an  American  seaman." 
Such  a  commendation,  from  such  an  officer  as  Capt.  Stewart, 
rendered  Lieut.  Hoffman  a  fit  associate  for  Comm.  Decatur.  He 
was  also  an  active  officer  in  the  Constitution,  in  the  actions  witli 
the  Gurriere  and  Java. 


228  LIFE  OF 

island  of  Tristun  d'Acunha*  as  the  place  of  rendezvous 
for  the  squadron. 

Upon  the  evening  of  the  14th  January,  1815,  Comm. 
Decatur  and  his  officers  took  leave  of  the  gallant  and 
accomplished  officers  of  the  remaining  ships  of  his 
squadron — some  of  them,  alas  !  for  the  last  time,  weigh- 
ed anchor  in  the  noble  frigate  President,  and,  with  his 
pilot,  attempted  to  put  to  sea.j  The  official  account  of 
the  occurrences  that  followed,  are  detailed  by  Comm. 
Decatur  in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  in  a 
style  so  far  surpassing  any  other  description  that  could 
be  given,  that  it  is  here  offered  to  the  admiration  of 
the  reader. 

H.  B.  M.  Ship  Endymion,  ) 
At  Sea,  Jan.   18,  1815.    $ 

Sir — The  painful  duty  of  detailing  to  you  the  parti- 
cular causes  which  preceded  and  led  to  the  capture  of 
the  late  United  States  frigate  President,  by  a  squadron 
of  his  Britannic  majesty's  ships  (as  per  margin)  has  de- 
volved upon  me.  In  my  communication  of  the  14th,  I 
made  known  to  you  my  intention  of  proceeding  to  sea 
that  evening.     Owing  to  some  mistake  of  the  pilots, 

*  For  an  interesting  and  elegant  account  of  this  island,  see 
Analectic  Magazine, 

t  When  Coram.  Decatur  dismantled  the  frigate  United  States, 
and  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  this  squadron,  his  officers 
and  crew  urgently  hoped  that  they  might  follow  their  beloved 
commander  to  any  ship  and  through  every  danger.  They  re- 
mained together.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  gallant  and 
amented  Lawrence  was  removed  from  the  noble  Constitution 
and  his  crew,  with  whom  he  had  become  familiar,  to  the  ill-starred 
Chesapeake  and  her  crew  to  whom  he  was  almost  an  entire  stranger. 
The  result  is  too  well  known  ! 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  229 

the  ship  in  going  out,  grounded  on  the  bar,  where  she 
continued  to  strike  heavily  for  an  hour  and  a  half.     Al- 
though she  had  broken  several   of  her  rudder-braces, 
and  had  received  such  other  material  injury  as  to  ren- 
der her  return  into  port  desirable,  I  was  unable  to  do 
so  from  the  strong  westerly  wind  which  was  then  blow- 
ing.    It  being  now  high  water,  it  became  necessary  to 
force  her  over  the  bar  before  the  tide  fell  f  in  this  we 
succeeded  by  10  o'clock,  when  we  shaped  our  course 
along  the  shore  of  Long  Island   for  50  miles,  and  then 
steered  S.  E.  by   E.     At  5  o'clock,  three  ships  were 
discovered  ahead;  we  immediately  hauled  up  the  ship 
and  passed  2  miles  to  the  northward  of  them.     At  day- 
light, we  discovered  four  ships  in  chase,  one  on  each 
quarter  and  two  astern,  the  leading  ship  of  the  enemy, 
a  razee — she  commenced  a  lire  upon  us,  but  without 
effect.     At  meridian,  the  wind  became  light  and  baf- 
fling, we  had  increased  our  distance  from  the  razee, 
but  the  next  ship  astern,  which  was  also  a  large  ship, 
had  gained  and  continued  to  gain  upon  us  considerably  ; 
we  immediately  occupied  all  hands  to  lighten  ship,  by 
starting  water,  cutting  the  anchors,  throwing  overboard 
provisions,  cables,  spare  spars,  boats,  and  every  article 
that  could  be  got  at,  keeping  the  sails  wet  from  the  roy- 
als down.     At  3,  we  had  the  wind  quite  light  ;  the  en- 
emy who  had  now  been  joined  by  a  brig,  had  a  strong 
breeze  and  were  coming  up  with  us  rapidly.     The  En- 
dymion  (mounting   50  guns,  24  pounders  on  the  main 
deck)  had  now  approached  us  within  gun-shot,  and  had 
commenced  a  fire  with  her  bow  guns,  which  we  retur- 
ned from  our  stern.     At  5  o'clock,  she  had  obtained  a 
position   on  our  starboard  quarter,  within  half  point 

20 


230  LIFE    OF 

blank  shot,  on  which  neither  our  stern  nor  quarter  guns 
would  bear  ;  we  were  now  steering  E.  by  N.  the  wind 
N.  W.     I  remained  with  her  in   this  position  for  half 
an  hour,  in  the  hope  that  she  would  close  with  us  on 
our  broadside,  in  which  case  1  had  prepared  my  crew  to 
board,  bat  from  his  continuing  to  yaw  his  ship  to  main- 
tain his  position,  it  became  evident  that  to  close  was 
not  his  intention.     Every  fire  now  cut   some  of  our 
sails  or  rigging.     To  have  continued  our  course  under 
these  circumstances,  would  have  been  placing  it  in  his 
power  to  cripple  us,  without  being  subject  to   injury 
himself,  and  to  have  hauled  up  more  to  the  northward 
to  bring  our  stern  guns  to  bear,  would  have  exposed  us 
to  his  raking  fire.     It  was  now  dusk,  when  I  determined 
to  alter  my  course  S.  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the 
enemy   abeam,  and   although  their  ships  astern  were 
drawing  up  fast,  I  felt  satisfied  I  should  be  enabled   to 
throw  him  our  of  the  combat  before  they  could  come 
up,  and  was  not  without  hopes,  if  the  night  proved  dark, 
(of  which  there   was  every    appearance)  that  I    might 
still  be  enabled  to   effect   my  escape.     Our  opponent 
kept  off  at  the  same  instant  we  did,  and  commenced  at 
the  same  time,     We  continued  engaged  steering  south 
with  steering  sails  set  two  hours  and  a  half,  when  we 
completely  succeeded  in  dismantling  her.     Previously 
to  her  dropping  entirely  out  of  the  action,  there  were 
intervals  of  minutes,    when  the  ships  were  broadside 
and  broadside,  in  which  she  did  not  fire  a  gun.     At  this 
period    (half  past  8  o'clock)  although  dark,  the  other 
ships  of  the  squadron  were  in  sight  and  almost  within 
gun-shot.     We  were  of  course  compelled  to   abandon 
her.     In  resuming  our  former  course  for  the  purpose 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  231 

of  avoiding  the  squadron,  we   were  compelled  to    pre- 
sent our  stern  to  our  antagonist — but  such  was  his  state, 
though  we  were  thus  exposed  and  within  range  of  his 
guns  for  half  an  hour,  that  he   did  not  avail   himself  of 
this  favourable  opportunity  of  raking  us.    We  continued 
this  course  until  11  o'clock,  when   two  fresh  ships  of 
the  enemy  (the  Pomona  and   Tenedos)   had  come  up. 
The  Pomona  had  opened  her  fire  on  the  larboard  bow, 
within   musket-shot    ;    the    other  about  two     cables' 
length  astern,  taking  a  raking  position  on  our  quarter  ; 
and  the  rest  (with  the  exception  of  the  Endymion)  with- 
in gun-shot.     Thus  situated,   with  about  one  filth   of 
my  crew  killed  and  wounded,  my  ship  crippled,  and  a 
more  than   four-fold  force   opposed  to   me,  without  a 
chance  of  escape  left,  I  deemed  it  my  duty  to  surren- 
der. 

It  is  with  emotions  of  pride  I  bear  testimony  to  the 
gallantry  and  steadiness  of  every  officer  and  man  I  had 
the  honour  to  command  on  this  occasion,  and  I  feel  sat- 
isfied that  the  fact  of  their  beating  a  force  equal  to 
themselves,  in  the  presence,  and  almost  under  the  guns 
of  so  vastly  a  superior  force,  when'too,  it  was  almost 
self-evident,  that  whatever  their  exertions  might  be, 
they  must  ultimately  be  captured,  will  be  taken  as  evi- 
dence of  what  they  would  have  performed,  had  the 
force  opposed  to  them  been  in  any  degree  equal. 

It  is  with  extreme  pain  1  have  to  inform  you  that 
Lieutenants  Babbit,  Hamilton  and  Howell,  fell  in  the 
action.  They  have  left  no  officers  of  superior  merit 
behind  them. 

If,  Sir,  the  issue  of  this  affair  had  been  fortunate,  I 
should  have  felt  it  my   duty  to  have  recommended  to 


232  LIFE    OF 

your  attention  Lieutenants  Shubrick  and  Gallagher, 
They  maintained  through  the  day  the  reputation  they 
had  acquired  in  former  actions. 

Lieut.  Twiggs,  of  the  marines,  displayed  great  zeal  ; 
his  men  were  well  supplied  and  their  (ire  incomparable, 
so  long  as  the  enemy  continued  within  musket  range. 

Midshipman  Randolph,  who  had  charge  of  the  fore- 
castle division,  managed  it  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

From  Mr.  Robinson,  who  was  serving  as  a  volunteer, 
I  received  essential  aid,  particularly  after  I  was  depri- 
ved of  the  services  of  the  master,  and  the  severe  loss  I 
had  sustained  in  my  officers  on  the  quarter  deck. 

Of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  unable  at 
present  to  give  you  a  correct  statement  ;  the  attention 
of  the  surgeon  being  so  entirely  occupied  with  the 
wounded,  that  he  was  unable  to  make  out  a  correct  re- 
turn when  I  left  the  President,  nor  shall  I  be  able  to 
make  it  until  our  arrival  into  port,  we  having  parted 
company  with  the  squadron  yesterday.  The  enclosed 
list,  with  the  exception  I  fear  of  its  being  short  of  the 
number,  will  be  found  correct. 

For  twenty-four  hours  after  the  action  it  was  nearly 
calm,  and  the  squadron  were  occupied  in  repairing  the 
crippled  ship?.  Such  of  the  crew  of  the  President 
as  were  not  badly  wounded,  were  put  on  hoard  the  dif- 
ferent ships  ;  myself  and  part  of  my  crew  were  put  on 
board  this  ship.  On  the  17th  we  had  a  gale  from  the 
eastward,  when  this  ship  lost  her  bowsprit,  fore  and 
mainmast  and  mizen  topmast,  all  of  which  were  badly 
wounded,  and  was  in  consequence  of  her  disabled  con- 
dition, obliged  to  throw  overboard  all  her  upper  deck 
sans  ;  her  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  must  have  been 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  233 

very  great.  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  the  ex- 
tent. Ten  were  buried  after  I  came  on  board,  (36 
hours  after  the  action  ;)  the  badly  wounded,  such  as 
are  obliged  to  keep  their  cots,  occupy  the  starboard 
side  of  the  gun-deck  froca  the  cabin-bulk-head  to  the 
main-mast.  From  the  crippled  state  of  the  President's 
spars,  I  feel  satisfied  she  could  not  have  saved  her 
masts,  and  I  feel  serious  apprehensions  for  the  safety 
of  our  wounded  left  on  board. 

It  is  due  to  Capt.  Hope  to  state  that  every  attention 
has  been  paid  by  him  to  myself  and  officers  that  have 
been  placed  on  board  his  ship,  that  delicacy  and  human- 
ity could  dictate.     I  have  the  honour,  &c» 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

Hon.  B.  W.  Crcwirinshield,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

The  loss  on  board  the  frigate  President,  was  25 killed, 
and  60  wounded. 

It  is  a  little  singular  that  Comm.  Decatur  should  so 
much  have  underrated  the  disaster  which,  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  most  distinguished  naval  characters,  occa- 
sioned the  ultimate  loss  of  the  frigate  President.  Instead 
ofthe  President  remaining  on  the  bai\at  New-York  "  an 
hour  and  an  half"  to  those  who  could  not  be  mistaken, 
it  was  certain  she  remained  there,  violently  beating 
and  thumping,  in  a  strong  westerly  gale  for  more  than 
two  hours,  without  any  one's  fault;  and,  being  heavily 
laden,  for  a  very  long  cruise,  serious  fears  were  enter- 
tained that  she  would  go  to  pieces.  And  here  one  of 
those  misfortunes  which  no  sagacity  could  foresee — no 
prudence  prevent — and  no  skill  avert,  and  which  ren- 
ders science,  presence  of  mind,  and   fortitude  equally 

*  20 


231  LIFE    OS 

unavailing,  happened  to  the  skillful,  the  cool,  and 
dauntless  Decatur.  His  ship,  rendered  more  fit  for 
the  dock  than  the  ocean,  was  propelled  forth  by  an  ir- 
resistible wind,  and,  although  navigated  with  superior 
skill,  was  driven  into  the  midst  of  a  foe  more  than  four 
times  her  force,*  in  the  night  season.  She  still  would 
sail ;  and  the  object  of  the  commander  was,  to  call  into 
operation  those  masterly  manceuverings  which  had  so 
often  enabled  American  ships  to  escape  from  an  over- 
whelming superiority  of  force,  and  which  entitles  our 
naval  officers  to  applause,  little  less  than  that  which 
they  have  received  for  conquering  a  superior  force. 

To  effect  an  escape  from  the  enemy's  squadron  which 
was  in  chase  of  the  President,  was  the  sole  object  of 
Comm.  Decatur;  and  if  to  engage  and  conquer  the 
leading  ship  of  the  enemy,  of  equal  force  with  his  own, 
would  contribute  to  that  object,  it  certainly  was  justifia- 
ble to  make  the  attempt,  although  his  prize  might  af- 
terwards be  recaptured,  and  his  own  ship  taken.  He 
did  make  the  attempt  and  the  Endijmion  was  effectual- 
ly conquered — her  guns  were  silenced, — and  she  omit- 
ted to  fire  upon  the  President,  when  the  best  raking 
position  was  afforded  her  ;  while  the  frigate  President, 
carrying  royal  studding-sails  and  near  effecting  an  es- 
cape, was  again  attacked  by  the  Pomone  and  Tenedos, 
and  the  Majestic  and  Despatch  were  within  gun-shot. 
The  rigging  of  the  President  being  further  injured  by 
this  fresh  attack  ; — finding  resistance  vain,  and  escape 
impossible,   for  the  first,  and  only   time  in  his   life, 

*The  British  squadron  consisted  of  the  Majestic,  (razee  or  74.) 
Endymkm,  50— Pomone,  38— Tenedos,  38— Despatch,  18. 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  235 

Comm.  Decatur  lowered  his  flag.     He  had  gained  a  de-. 
cisive  victory  ;  and,   if  the  common  result  of  victory 
had  followed,  the  American   banner  would  now  wave 
upon  the  noble  ship  Endymion,  and  her  name  would 
appear  in  the  List  of  the  American  Navy. 

Comm.  Decatur  was  ready  to  deliver  his  sword  to 
that  officer  of  the  British  squadron  who  had  a  right  to 
receive  it.  The  gallant  Capt  Hope  of  the  Endymion, 
would  not  have  asked  it  had  he  been  in  the  squadron, 
for  he  did  not  join  it  until  six  hours  after  the  action, 
Comm.  Decatur  surrendered  his  ship,  and  surrendered 
it  only  to  the  whole  squadron,  and  to  the  Commander 
in  Chief  only  would  he  offer  it.  It  was  delivered  to 
Capt.  Hays  of  the  Majestic,  (senior  officer)  upon  his 
quarter-deck,  who,  with  that  politeness,  with  which 
one  brave  man  always  demeans  himself  toward  another, 
immediately  returned  it  to  him  who  had  always  so  nobly 
used  it.  He  did  not  forget  to  return  Comm.  Decatur 
his  sword  for  seven  days,  as  Comm.  Hillyer  did  that  of 
the  gallant  Capt.  Porter,  and  then  to  say,  "  it  is  in  my 
servant's  possession,  until  the  master  may  please  to  call 
for  it." 

A  fact  which  does  not  appear  in  Comm.  Decatur's 
official  letter  cf  18th  January  ought  to  be  mentioned. 
Capt.  Hope  had  on  board  the  Endymion  during  the  ac- 
tion, 1  Lieutenant,  1  Master's*mate,  and  50  seamen  from 
the  Saturn,  in  addition  to  his  own  crew — and  yet  he 
was  beaten. 

"Why  Comm.  Decatur,  should  not  have  mentioned 
his  own  wound,  can  be  accounted  for  only  from  that 
principle  of  modesty,  which  restrains  a  brave  man  from 
speaking  of  himself. 


236  LIFE  OF 

Upon  Comm.  Decatur's  arrival  at  Bermuda,  the  ut- 
most attention  was  paid  to  him  by  the  civil,  naval,  and 
military  authorities  of  the  place.  His  well  established 
character  had  reached  that  place  before  he  appeared 
there  upon  his  parol*-  of  honour. 

But  although  Comm.  Decatur  had  long  been  familiar 
with  the  thunders  of  batteries  and  castles  upon  land, 
and  the  roaring  of  cannon  upon  the  ocean,  he  here  had 
to  encounter  a  speci  -s  of  force  with  which  he  was  yet 
to  be  made  acquainted — c  The  Artillery  of  the  Press" — 
A  power  which,  like  Mercury,  in  the  hands  of  science 
and  skill,  is  an  invaluable  blessing  ;  but  in  those  of  ig- 
norance, and  sullen  stupidity,  a  dangerous  and  trouble- 
some evil.  The  editor  of  th  Bermuda  Royal  Gazette, 
(not  however  until  he  felt  h >msf  If  secure  by  the  return 
of  Coram.  Decatur  to  Am  rica)  published  in  his  paper 
an  outrageous  falsehood,  calculated  to  cast  a  shade 
upon  the  brilliant  fame  of  the  Commodore.  Amongst 
other  falsehoods  he  stated  that  4b  The  President  struck 
to  the  Endymion,  and  that  after  she  struck,  Comm.  De- 
catur concealed  68  men  in  her  hold  to  rise  upon  the  prize 
crew!"  Capt.  Hope,  of  the  End y mi on,  disclaimed  ail 
knowledge  of  the  article,  until  he  saw  it  in  the  Gazette, 
and  expressly  contradicted  it.  The  Editor  still  per- 
sisted ;  and  Mr.  R.  B.  Randolph,  one  of  the  Midship- 
men of  the  President  under  Comm.  Decatur,  and  who 
still  remained  in  the  island,  chastised  the  Editor  in  the 
King's  Square  (to  use  the  Midshipman's  language)  "  in 
the  most  ample  and  satisfactory  m  mner."  Nor  was 
this  all.  The  governour  of  the  Island  declared,  offi- 
cially that — "  In  justice  to  himself— to  Capt.  Hope, 
and  to  the  British  nation  ;  and  in   common  justice  to 


m 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  237 

Comm,  Decatur,  who  is  not  present  to  defend  himself' 
— the  scurrilous  publication  must  be  retracted,  or  he 
would  no  longer  continue  to  be  "  his  majesty's  printer." 
— Probably  the  Editor  who  took  hi*  first  degree  from 
Mr.  Randolph  upon  his  back,  and  choosing  not  to  be 
advanced  any  farther  into  the  arcanum  of  discipline, 
and  to  secure  his  bread  from  the  crown,  retracted  with 
submission  as  mean,  as  his  slander  was  impudent. 

It  was  said  that  Capt.  Carden  received  thanks  in  Eng- 
land for  his  defence  of  the  Macedonian.     He  deserved 
them  as  much  as  Capt.  Broke  did  a  knighthood  for  taking 
the  Chesapeake.     The  opinion  of  the  Court  of  Inqui- 
ry concerning  the  loss    of  the  frigate  President,  is  as 
highly  commendatory  to  Comm.  Decatur  as  the  vote  of 
thanks  for  capturing  the  Macedonian.     I  regret  that  its 
length  forbids  an  insertion  entire.     A  few  extracts  will 
be  given. — "  The  primary  cause  of  the  loss  of  the  Pre- 
sidentwas  her  running  upon  the  bar  as  she  was  leaving 
this  port." — "  Her  hogged  and  twisted  appearance    af> 
ter  she  arrived  at  Bermuda,  must  have  been  the  effect 
of  that  unfortunate  accident." — "  The  striking  of  the 
President  on  the  bar,  cannot  be  imputed  to  the  fault  of 
any  officer  who   was  attached  to  her."     As  to  effecting 
an  escape,  the   Court  say — "  No  means,  in  our  opin- 
ion, were   so  likely  to   be  attended  with  success,  as 
those  which  were  adopt°d  by   Comm.  Decatur."     As 
to  the  action  with   the  Endymion,  it   is  said — "  In  this 
unequal  conflict,  the  enemy  gained  a  ship,  but.  the  victory 
was  ours."     In  regard  to  the  proposition  to  board  the 
enemy,  "  and  the  manner  in  which  the  proposition  was 
received  by  his  gallant  crew,"  the  Court,  with  an  ele- 
gance worthy  of  the  exalted  subject,  say — "  Such  a  t/#- 


238  LIFE  OP 

sign,  at  such  a  time,  could  only  be  conceived  by  a  soul 
without  fear,  and  approved,  with  enthusiastic  cheering, 
by  men  regardless  of  danger."  And,  finally,  ;'  That 
hi*  conduct,  and  the  conduct  of  his  officers  and  crew, 
were  highly  honourable  to  them,  and  to  the  American 
Navy;  and  deserve  the  warmest  gratitude  of  their  coun- 

try." 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  after  bestowing  the 
most  flattering  commendations  upon  Comm.  Decatur, 
saye — "  It  would  have  been  equally  unjust  to  your 
merit,  as  well  as  to  my  sentiments,  and  feelings,  to 
have  passed  over  this  investigation  with  a  formal  ap- 
probation." 

The  writer  has  been  thus  minute,  and  he  fears  te- 
dious, in  detailing  the  particulars  of  the  loss  of  the  fri- 
gate President.  To  give  an  account  of  a  victory  is 
much  easier,  than  to  assign  a  reason  for  a  disaster — a 
defeat  we  cannot  with  propriety  denominate  the  loss  of 
the  President.  In  common  with  his  countrymen,  the 
writer  participated  in  the  temporary  gloom  w;iich  per- 
vaded the  country,  when  it  was  announced — *"■  The 
frigate  President  is  captured  by  the  British  from  Comm. 
Decatur  !"  It  was  almost  simultaneous  with  the  an- 
nunciation of  peace  between  the  Republic  and  Britain  ; 
and  the  joy  excited  by  the  one,  was  esses. tially  damp- 
ened by  the  other.  But  no  sooner  was  the  occurrence 
understood,  than  anew  cause  for  triumph  was  afforded 
for  our  naval  victories,  and  every  one  was  ready  to  ex- 
claim, in  the  language  of  the  Court  of  Inquiry  who  in- 
vestigated the  subject — kl  The  e\emy  gained  a  ship, 


8UT  THE  VICTORY    WAS  OURS." 


The  reader  will   naturally  enquire  what  became  of 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  239 

the  Hornet,  Capt.  Biddle,  and  Peacock,  Capt.  Warring- 
ton, which  belonged  to  Comoi.  Decatur's  Squadron. 
It  would  be  a  delightful  employ,  to  give  a  minute  ac- 
count of  these  noble  Sloops  of  War  and  their  gallant 
commanders  while  in  this  squadron.  A  brief  one  will 
be  attempted. 

Pursuant  to  Comm.  Decatur's  orders,  they  proceed- 
ed unmolested  to  the  Island  ofTristun  de  Acunha,  as  the 
place  of  rendezvous  appointed  by  him.  The  Hornet 
separated  from  the  Peacock  in  a  chase,  two  days  out. 
Upon  23d  March,  1815,  as  Capt  Biddle  was  about  to  an- 
chor the  Hornet  at  the  north  end  of  Trictun  de  Acunha, 
he  fell  in  with  one  of  the  largest  armed,  and  best  fitted 
Brigs  in  the  British  navy,  and  commanded  by  one  of 
the  most  distinguished  of  the  younger  class  of  British 
naval  officers.  It  was  the  Penguin,  Capt.  Dickinson, 
mounting  20  guns.  Admiral  Tyler  loaned  him  12  men 
from  the  Medway,  74,— and  he  was  directed  particular- 
ly to  cruise  for  the  Young  Wasp,  much  superior  in  her 
armament  to  the  Hornet.  The  little  Hornet,  in  the 
hands  of  Capt.  Biddle,  nobly  supported  the  fame  she 
acquired  in  the  hands  of  the  heroic  and  lamented  Capt. 
Lawrence. 

Capt.  Biddle,  in  his  letter  to  his  beloved  comman- 
der, Comm.  Decatur,  of  the  25th  March,  says' — "  From 
the  firing  of  the  first  gun,  to  the  last  time  ihe  enemy  cried 
out  he  had  surrendered,  was  exactly  twenty-two  minutes." 
After  surrendering  the  first  time,  Capt.  Biddle  receiv- 
ed a  dangerous  wound  in  his  neck  ! !  Twenty  men  were 
killed  or  died  of  wounds  in  the  Penguin,  and  thirty-five 
wounded.  In  the  Hornet  1  killed,  9  wounded.  The 
Penguin  was  so  completely  riddled  in  her  hull,  and  her 


240  LIFE    OF 

rigging  so  effectually  demolished,  that  Capt.  Biddle 
scuttled  and  sunk  her — the  second  ship  of  superior 
force,  that  the  Hornet  had  sent  to  the  bottom. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  action,  the  gallant  Capt. 
Dickinson  exclaimed  to  his  1st  Lieut.  McDonald — 
"  The  fellows  are  giving  it  to  us  like  hell — we  must  get 
on  board" — and  in  a  few  minutes  after,  fell  dead  upon 
his  deck,  with  a  terrible  shot. — Capt.  Biddle  asked 
Mc'Donald  why  he  did  not  board  the  Hornet?  He  an- 
swered— "  He  did  try — but  found  the  men  rather  back- 
ward— and  so  you  know  we  concluded  to  give  it  up." 

The  Peacock,  Capt.  Warrington,  joined  the  Hornet, 
a  few  days   after  this  brilliant  victory, — remained  at 
Tristun  de  Acunha,  according  to  Comm.  Decatur's'  in- 
structions ;  and  then  sailed  for  the  East-Indies. — Upon 
the  27th  and  28th  April,  chased  a  strange  sail,  suppos- 
ed to  be  an  Indiaman,  until  she  was  discovered  to   be 
a  ship  of  the  line  ;  which,  upon  the  29th  hoisted  Eng- 
lish colours — shewed  a  rear  Admiral's  flag,  and  com- 
menced firing  upon  the  Hornet — The  chase  lasted  42 
hours  !     and  to  give  the  expressive  language  of  Capt. 
Biddle  in  his  letter  to   Comm.  Decatur  of  June  10th, 
1815 — "It  was  with  the  most  painful  reluctance,  and 
upon  the  fullest  conviction,  that  it  was  indispensible, 
in   order  to  prevent  a  greater  misfortune,  that  I  could 
bring  my  mind  to  consent  to  part  with  my  guns."     One 
of  Capt.  Biddle's  accomplished  officers  remarks,  after 
describing  the  imminent  danger  they  were  in,  and  their 
fortunate  escape — tfc  Never  has  there  been  so   evident 
an  interposition  of  the  goodness  of  a  divine  Father — my 
heart  with  gratitude,  acknowledges  his  supreme  pow- 
er and  goodness."     A  heart  thus  grateful  to  a  Divine 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  241 

Father,  would  raise  a  fearless  hand  in  fighting  his  ene- 
my. When  every  hope  of  escape  had  vanished,  and 
the  shot  was  whistling  through  the  Hornet,  the  exhaust- 
ed Capt.  Biddle  mustered  his  worn-out  officers  and 
crew — thanked  them  for  their  unparalleled  exertions, 
and  told  them  they  might  soon  expect  to  be  captured. 
"Not  a  dry  eye"  (continues  the  officer)  "  was  to  be 
seen  at  the  mention  of  capture.  The  rugged  hearts  of 
the  sailors,  like  ice  before  the  sun,  wept  in  unison  with 
their  brave  commander." 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Bornet  at  St.  Salvador  upon 
the  9th  June,  without  anchor,  cable,  or  boat,  and  but 
one  gun,  Capt.  Biddle  received  news  of  Peace.     The 
Hornet  returned  safe  to  America  ;  and  the  veteran  De- 
catur, welcomed  the  gallant  Biddle,  with  one  of  the 
remainder  of  his  squadron* — a  squadron  never  surpass- 
ed either  in  conquering  an  equal,  or  in  escaping  an  over- 
whelming  superior  force.      Whenever   a  British  naval 
officer  looks  with  complacency  upon  the  frigate  Presi- 
dent atSpithead,  let  him  remember  the  shattered  Endy- 
mion, — the  sunken  Penguin,  and  the  mortified  rear-ad- 
miral (name  unknown)  whose  cannon  could  not  sink, 
and   whose  skill  could  not  capture  the  Hornet  or  Pea- 
cock.   In  regard  to  the  whole  of  this  little  squadron,  then, 
we  may  again  repeat  : — 

'  The  enemy  gained  a  ship — the  victory  was  ourjs.' 

*  The  Peacock  cruised  nine  months.  A  war  against  Algiers 
had  been  declared,  prosecuted,  and  ended,  since  the  Peacock 
sailed;  and  Coram.  Decatur  returned  triumphantly  from  the 
Mediterranean,  about  the  same  time  Capt.  Warrington  returned 
with  the  Peacock. 

21 


242  LIFE  OF 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Coram.  Decatur  returns  from  his  fourth  cruise — Reception — 
Peace  ratified — Scenes  of  domestic  felicity — Depredations 
of  Barbary  powers — By  whom  instigated — Squadron  to  chas- 
tise and  humble  them — Comm.  Decatur  appointed  to  command 
the  first  Mediterranean  Squadron  in  1815 — Victory  over  Alge- 
rine  Admiral — Consternation  of  the  Dey — Indemnifies  Ame- 
ricans and  concludes  a  Treaty  of  Peace — Comm.  Decatur  de- 
mands and  receives  indemnification  from  Tunis  and  Tripoli 
for  British  violations — Demands  release  of  Christian  captives 
-—Restores  them  to  Naples,  and  is  honoured  by  the  King — Sur- 
renders squadron  to  Comm.  Bainbridge,  and  returns  to  Ame- 
rica— Comm.  Bainbridge's  respect  to  him. 

Coaim.  Decatur,  in  his  fourth  cruise,  had  been  ab- 
sent from  New- York,  fifty  one  days,  during  which  time 
he  conquered  a  British  frigate,  equal  to  his  force — al- 
most escaped  a  British  squadron  four  times  his  force- 
arrived  in  a  British  port — arranged  his  affairs  with  the 
British  forces,  and  upon  returning  again  to  New- York 
found  his  beloved  country  enjoying  a  peace  which  he 
had  so  signally  aided  in  rendering  secure,  and  it  is  hoped 
as  permanent  as  the  fame  he  had  acquired.  He  was 
welcomed  into  that  patriotic  city  with  no  less  ardour  of 
attachment,  and  with  no  less  admiration  for  his  gallantry, 
than  when  he  gladdened  the  eyes  of  the  citizens  with 
the  sight  of  the  Macedonian,  on  the  1st  of  January, 
1813  ;  and  were  not  the  repetition  of  ceremonious  at- 
tentions calculated  to  "  pall  upon  the  senses,"  and 
splendid  spectacles,  like  beauty  made  familiar,  to  "  fade 
in  the  eye,"  they  might  well  have  again  surrounded  the 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  243 

festive  board,  and  displayed  another  transparency  :  — 
"The  President  beating  the  Endymion,  Jan.  15th, 
1815."  Bat  the  exalted  sentiment  in  the  Declaration 
of  American  Independence,  in  theirs*  war  with  Bri- 
tain, and  which  was  rendered  secure  by  the  second  war 
just  closed,  is  : — 

"  Enemies  in  War — in  Peace,  Friends." 

Could  the  noble  Decatur,  and  the  no  less  noble 
Hardy  have  now  met,  they  could  cordially  have  re- 
ciprocated the  sentiment  expressed  by  the  last,  even 
when  in  sight  of  the  first  with  a  superior  force — "  I  shall 
hail,  with  pleasure,  the  return  of  an  amicable  adjust- 
ment of  the  differences  between  the  two  natiofis."* 
These  "differences,"  would  have  been  "adjusted"  in 
the  cabin  of  Cornni.  Decatur's  frigate,  or  Sir  T.  M. 
Hardy's  74,  in  twelve  hours,  had  they  been  clothed 
with  diplomatic  powers.  The  formal  exhibition  of 
credentials,  interchange  of  powers,  protocols,  sine-qua- 
nons,  ultimatums,  et  cetera,  el  cetera,  would  soon  have 
been  "  cleared  for  action,"  and  they  would  have  brought 
their  minds  to  the  subject  in  a  style  as  noble  as  either 
of  them  would  have  carried  their  ships  into  combat. 

Comm.  Decatur  was  now  in  the  enjoyment  of  every 
temporal  felicity.  Although  in  a  degree  worn  by  the 
"  peltings  of  the  pitiless  storms"  of  war,  created  by  the 
passion  of  men,  and  those  of  the  elements  by  the  winds 
of  heaven,  he  had  no  mutilated  limb  to  torture  or  de- 
form him.  From  boyhood  he  had  been  in  the  thickest 
showers  of  the  messengers  of  death,  and  the  king  of 
terrors  had  strode  around  him,  and  often  encrimsoned 

*  Vide  Chap.  XIII.— Challenge,  &c. 


244  LIFE    OF 

him  with  the  blood  of  his  foes  ;  but  these  dangers  he 
had  escaped  almost  unhurt,  and  might  have  said,  with 
his  admired  friend  Comm.  Macdonough,  after  the  car- 
nage around  him  had  ceased,  and  he  untouched. 
"  There  is  a  power  above  which  determined  the  fate  of 
man.''1  It  was  not  the  destiny  of  Comm.  Decatur  to 
die  by  the  hands  of  foreign  enemies. 

Although  he  had  long  been  inured  to  the  fatigues,  the 
anxieties,  the  privations,  and  the  rugged n ess  of  naval 
warfare,  and  had  reaped  so  largely  of  the  conquest- 
wove  wreaths  of  garlands,  in  trco*  hemispheres,  yet 
he  had  not  lost  his  relish  for  the  mild,  and  innocent, 
and  fascinating  charms  of  peace.  Although  he  was  as 
fearless  and  death-daring  as  Richard  in  war,  he  had, 
unlike  him,  other  employments  in  peace  than  "  To 
view  his  own  shadow  in  the  sun,  and  descant  upon  its 
deformities,''  or  to  "  lay  plots  and  form  inductions"  for 
the  murder  of  his  kinsmen  or  his  companions.  Al- 
though he  was  delighthd  with,  and  imparted  delight  to 
public  assemblies  and  splendid  levees,  yet  it  was  in  the 
bosom  of  his  own  family  where  his  happiness  was  con- 
summated— for  there  he  found  his  ow?i  heart,  and  car- 
ried into  it  the  heart  he  received  for  it.  His;  kindred, 
by  blood,  had  beea  farther  diminished  by  the  death  of 

*  "  The  same  chivalrous  chief,  who  bore 
Rich  tributes  once  from  Barb'ry's  shore,* 

As  Allali's  sons  can  tell — 
But  now  a  nobler  trophy  t  shows, 
Wrested  from  mightier,  manlier  foes, 

Who  fought  so  long — so  well." 

Ocean— A  Naval  Ode. 

Tripoli,  1804.  t  Macedonian,  1812. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  245 

bis  venerated  father,  and  perhaps  by  other?.  The 
death  of  this  noble  father  must  have  severed  one  of  the 
strong  ligaments  that  bound  his  gallant  son  to  this 
world.  Could  he  have  survived  the  war  with  Britain, 
as  he  did  that  of  Tripoli,  and  have  rejoiced  with  his 
countrymen  in  the  augmented  renown  of  his  son,  and 
the  increased  glory  of  the  American  Navy,  he  m.ght 
well  have  exclaimed  to  his  Creator — 4i  Now  let  thy 
servant  die  in  peace." 

But  these  charming  scenes,  in  which  raptapous  de- 
light was  mingled,  with  soothing  melancholy,  were  of 
short  duration  with  Comm.  Decatur.  He  was  again  to 
be  called  into  a  contest  which  might  be  more  sanguina- 
ry than  even  those  through  which  he  had  parsed.  It 
was  not  merely  with  one  of  the  Bardary  povvers — it 
was  with  every  one  of  them  who  had  preyed  upon  A- 
merican  commerce  or  citizens  themselves,  but  who 
had  permitted  Englishmen,  during  the  last  war,  to  vio- 
late the  law  of  nations  in  their  neutral  ports,  by  cap- 
turing American  ships  and  seamen  in  them. 

As  these  injuries  from  Barbarians  were  chiefly  sus- 
tained during  the  war  with  Britain,  and,  as  a  belliger- 
ent, she  possessed  a  right  to  do  America  ali  the  harm 
she  could,  perhaps  it  will  be  deemed  equally  justifiable 
in  that  power  to  have  let  loose  upon  us  the  Savages  of 
Africa,  as  well  as  those  of  America.  That  the  ravages 
in  the  Mediterranean  sea  and  ports  upon  Americans, 
by  the  Barbary  powers,  i  1813,  1814,  and  1815,  were 
encouraged  or  caused  by  Englishmen,  is  easily  demon- 
strated, and  will  be  very  briefly  attempted. 

Tobias  Lear,  Esq.  once  the  private  Secretary  and 

confidential  friend   of  President  Washington,  had  for 

5>i  * 


246  LIFE  OF 

many  years  been  American  consul  general  at  the  Bar- 
bary  ?tates.     It  will  be  recollected  that  he  negociated 
the  t'cace  with  Tripoli,  while  Comm.  Decatur  was  ly- 
ing before  that  place  in  the  Constitution,  and  Congress. 
At  the  commencement  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain, 
Mr.    Lear  was   American  Consul-General   at  Algiers. 
After  the  declaration  of  war,  the  Arrieriean   ship  Alle- 
ghany arrived  at  Algiers  with  stores,  in  fulfilment  ofour 
treaty  with  that  power.     The   Dey  refused  to  receive 
them — ordered  Consul   Lear  and  every   American   to 
leave  the  city  in  the  Alleghany.     The   ship  arrived  at 
Gibraltar — was  condemned,  with  her  cargo- — her  crew 
sent  to  England   as  pn-oners  of  war  ;  and   Mr.  Lear, 
although  a  Consul-General,  was  compelled  to  return  to 
America  by   way  of  Cadiz.     At  about  the  Srime  time, 
the  Algerine  fl-*et  of  5  Frigates,  3  Corvettes,  2  Brigs, 
1  Xebec,  1  Schooner,  and  several  Gun-Boats  and  Row- 
Gallies,  sailed  from  Algiers.     At  near  the  close  of  the 
year  1812,  orders  were  given  in  London,  for  stores  to 
equip  the  ALGERiNE  NAVY,  to  the  amount  of  One 
Hundred  Sixty  Thousand  Dollars.     A   very   short 
extract  from  Consul   Lears  letter  will  be  all  the  other 
reason  that  will  here  be   given  as  to  the  cause  of  the 
war    with    Algiers.        He    says— -"   I    had    reason    to 
think    the  conduct  of    the    Dey  of  Algiers,  toward   the 
United   States,  was  instigated   by    the  British    ;    as  it 
was  universally  ack:  owledged  by  tie  public  functiona- 
ries, and  others  in  Algiers,  that  the  ^oyprnment  of  the 
United  States  had  been  remarkably  faithful  in  the  fulfil- 
ment of  their  treaty  stipulations  with  the  Dey  and  Re- 
gencjr  of  Algiers*" 

But  however  the   war  was  occasioned,   it  will  very 
briefly  be  shown  how  it  was  conducted  and  concluded, 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  247 

Gornm.  Decat  <r\  was  once  more  designated  to  ap- 
pear in  the  the.?t  e  of  hi?  early  glory,  as  Commander  in 
Chief  of  a  squadron  to  conquer  the  enemy  into  peace, 
and  then,  as  a  Negotiator,  to  a^ree  upon  the  terms  of 
it.  His  name  had  become  as  terrible  to  the  enemies 
of  America,  upon  the  ocean,  as  tnat  of  Kelson  once 
was  to  the  enemies  of  Britain. 

The  ships  and  the  commanders  in  the  squadron,  des- 
tined to  the  Mediterranean  in  1815,  were  as  follows-— 

ni  '   qi.    .r  .  .     Conun.  Decatur.  ) 

Flag  Sh«p,  Guniere,      44     Capt   Uwig,        \ 

Frigate  Macedonian,  36  Capt.  Jones. 

,,     ,,   Constellation,  36  Capt.  Gordon. 

Sloop  of  War,  Ontario,  18  Mast.  Couidf  J.D.Elliot. 

,,         ,,     Epervier,  18  Lieut.  Downs. 

Schooner,  Flambeau,  12  Lieut.  J.  B.Nicholson. 

,,     ,,        Spark,  12  Lieut.  T.  Gamble. 

Spitfire,  11  Lieut.  A.  J.  Dallas. 

ri  orch,  10  Lieut.  W.  Chauncey. 


•J  3) 


Comm.  Decatur  rendezvoused  at  New- York,  with 
his  squadron,  as  one  instrument  of  negociation,  and 
with  Instructions  from  the  President  of  the  United 
States  as  another.  He  sailed  from  New-York,  20th 
M;<y,  18i5,  and  reached  the  bay  of  Gibraltar  Intwenty- 
five  days,  (14th  June) — sailed  round  the  harbour  with 
his  squadron,  in  elegant  style,  with  his  broad  pendant, 
and  all  his  flags  flying,  without  coming  to  anchor.  As 
he  was  passing  round,  an  immense  throng  oi  British 
naval  officers  were  critically  viewing  the  American 
fleet.  One  of  them  asked  an  American  gentleman 
present,  to  give  the  names  of  the  different  ships. 
Witn  the  utmost  politeness,  he  pointed  to  the  Commo- 
dore's, and  said — "  That,  Sir,  is  the  Gurriere" — Then 


248  LIFE    OP 

pointing  to  Capt.  Jones' — ,w  That,  Sir,  is  the  Macedonia 
an"— Then    at  Lieut.    Downs' — "  That,    Sir,    is  the 

Epervier" — and,  proceeding,   "  The  next,  Sir,  is ■ 

"P  damn  the  next"  said  they,  and  in  chagrin  walked 
off  at  hearing  the  names  of  three  ships  captured  from 
their  navy.  Their  informant  might  have  given  them 
more  names  of  ships,  captured  from  Britain,  than  the 
whole  of  Comm.  Decatur's  squadron. 

*Comm.  Decatur  having  learded  that  dispatches 
were  instantly  sent  off  to  the  Algerine  fleet,  announc- 
ing his  arrival  at  Gibraltar,  immediately  parsed  the 
straits  into  the  Mediterranean,  in  pursuit  of  it,  fearing 
it  would  reach  a  "  neutral  port." 

The  celebrated  Hammida,  was  the  Algerine  Admiral. 
and  sailed  in  the  frigate  Mazouda.  He  had  excited  the 
unbounded  admiration  of  thp  Dey,  by  his  unceasirfg  ac- 
tivity, and  the  terror  of  defenceless  merchantmen  by 
his  diabolical  rapacity.  Upon  June  17th,  Comm.  De- 
catur, in  the  Gurriere,  had  the  good  fortune  to  fill  in 
with  the  Admiral's  frigate  which  had  separated  from 
the  fleet — gave  him  two  broadsides — brought  down  the 
Turkish  crescent — killed  thirty  of  the  crew,  and 
amongst  them  the  renowned  Hammida  ;  and  took  406 
prisoners.  Upon  the  19th,  captured  an  Algerine  Brig 
of  22  guns  and  sent  her  into  Carthagena. 

Correctly  concluding  the  enemy's  fleet  had  reached 

*  The  facts  from  which  the  following  brief  sketch  is  made, 
were  gathered  from  the  official  letters  of  Coram.  Decatur,  and 
W.  Shaler,  Esq.  to  Hon  James  Monroe,  Secretary  of  State 
—from  those  of  Comm.  Decatur,  to  Hon.  Benjamin  W.Crown- 
inshield,  Secretary  of  the  Navy,— and  from  publications,  and 
^mmunications,  upon  which  the  most  perfect  reliance  is  placed. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  249 

a  neutral  port,  he  shaped  his  course,  with  his  prize, 
and  prisoners  for  Algiers.  He  arrived  there  upon  the 
28th,  and  came  to  an  anchor  with  his  whole  squadron. 

Determining  to  know,  forthwith,  whether  peace 
could  be  negociv;ted  upon  the  terms  he  and  William 
Shaler,  Esq.  (who  was  a  joint  negociator  with  him) 
had  to  propose,  he  immediately  dispatched  a  letter 
from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  Dey,  to 
enable  him  to  have  a  fair  opportunity  to  uegociate  up- 
on fair  and  equal  terms,  and  that  without  the  least  delay 
or  procrastination.  Coram.  Decatur  could  negociate  * 
at  Algiers  either  way,  and  as  rapidly  as  Lord  Nelson 
once  did  at  Copeahageii — but  let  not  the  comparison 
go  farther.  Decatur  was  prepared  to  make  war  upon, 
or  peace  with,  a  power  which    had  wantonly  invaded 

the   rights  of  his  country— Nelson  —  "  but  be- 

shrew  the  sombre  pencil.-" 

Upon  receipt  of  the  President's  letter,  the  Dey 
dispatched  his  Port-Captain  (an  officer  high  in  rank) 
accompanied  by  the  Swedish  consul,  on  board  the  Gur- 
riere,  who  were  received  with  the  utmost  courtesy  by 
Comm.  Decatur  and  Mr.  Shaler,  who  informed  the  Port- 
Captain  that  they  were  authorised,  by  the  American 
government,  to  negociate  a  treaty,  the  basis  of  which 
musr  be,  an  unequivocal  relinquishment  of  all  annual 
tribute,  or  ransom  for  prisoners.  The  Port-Captain 
still  had  confidence  in  the  marine  force  of  the  Dey,  and 
in  Admiral  Hammida  ;  and  assured  the  Commodore  that 
their  squadron  was  safe  in  a  neutral  port.  "  Not  all  of 
it"  answereo  Comm.  Decatur.  "  The  frigate  Mazou- 
da,  and  a  22  gun  Hrig.  are  already  captured,  and  your 
Admiral  Hammida  is  killed"     With  a  look  of  increcta- 


250  LIFE  OF 

lity,  mingled  with  that  contempt  which  a  Mahometan  is 
taught  by  his  religion,  to  feel  towards  Christians,  and 
which  he  never  relinquishes  until  contempt  gives  place 
to  fear,  he  denied  the  fact.  Hammida's  Lieutenant, 
who  was  a  prisoner  in  the  Gurriere,  was  culled  in,  who 
tremblingly  acknowledge  1  the  truth  of  the  assertion. 
The  dismayed  Port- Captain  said  he  was  not  authorised 
to  make  a  treaty  ;  and  beseeched  that  hostilities  might 
cease,  until  a  treaty  could  be  negociated  on  shore.  Said 
Comm.  Decatur  :  "  Hostilities  will  not  cease  until  a 
treaty  is  made  ;  and  a  treaty  will  not  be  made  any  where 
but  on  board  the  Gurriere." 

The  Port-Captain,  and  the  Swedish  Consul  went  on 
shore.  The  next  day,  June  30th,  the  Port-Captain 
and  Swedish  Consul  came  out  again  to  the  Gurriere, 
with  full  powers  to  negociate.  The  articles  of  a  trea- 
ty were  presented  to  them,  by  the  American  Commis- 
sioners, which  it  was  declared  woald  not  be  varied  in 
any  material  point.  The  Algerine  commissioners  in- 
sisted that  property  taken  from  Americans  should  not 
be  restored,  as  it  was  dispersed  into  many  hands.  It 
was  answered,  '*  As  it  was  unjustly  taken  it  must  be  res- 
tored, or  paid  for."  The  relinquishment  of  tribute  from 
America,  was  the  most  difficult  point  to  settle  ;  as  the 
relinquishment  to  that  power  might  lead  to  a  relin- 
quishment to  all  others,  and  cause  the  Dey's  destruc- 
tion. It  was  said,  even  a  little  powder  as  annual  tri- 
bute, might  be  satisfactory.  4'  If  you  insist  upon  receiv- 
ing powder  as  tribute ,"  said  the  Commodore,  "  you 
must  expect  to  receive  balls  with  it." 

The  unyielding  firmness  of  the  American  Commis- 
sioners— added  to  the  force  which  they  had  to  compel 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  251 

a  compliance  v.ith  their  reasonrble  demands,  induced 
the  D<jy  to  ratify  the  treaty  the  same  day  it  was  made, 
(June  30th,  1815.) 

One  of  the  Deys  courtier?,  while  this  sudden  negoci- 
ation  was  goin^on,  thus  addressed  the  British  Consul  : 
• — "  You  told  us  that  the  American  Navy  would  be  des- 
troyed in  six  months  by  you,  and  now  they  make  war 
upon  us  with  three  of  your  own  vessels  they  have  tak^n 
from  you." 

Thus  was  a  very  important  treaty  negociated  in  forty- 
eight  hours,  giving  to  the  American  government  and 
citizens,  privileges  and  immunities  never  before  granted 
by  a  Barbary  State  to  any  Christian  power.  The 
treaty  consists  of  twenty-two  articles,  and  is  too  long 
for  insertion  in  this  volume.  In  consequence  of  ob- 
tainingjust  such  a  treaty  as  was  demanded,  the  captured 
frigate  was  indignantly  given  up,  to  appease  the  lacera- 
ted feelings  of  the  De)^,  and  to  save  him  from  the  assas- 
sination of  his  own  slaves.  The  brig  was  given  up  upon 
the  release  of  the  Spanish  consul,  and  a  Spanish  mer- 
chant, in  bondage  in  Algiers  ! 

Coram.  Decatur  immediately  dispatched  Capt.  Lewis 
in  the  Brig  Epervier,  to  America  with  the  treaty,  and 
left  Mr.  Shaler  at  Algiers  as  American  Consul-Genera! 
to  the  Barbary  States. 

Comm.  Decatur,  having  closed  his  concerns  with 
Omar,  Dey  of  Algiers,  learned  that  the  Bey  of  Tunis 
had  violated  our  treaty  with  that  power,  by  permitting 
a  British  ship  of  war  to  take  two  prizes  of  the  Abcellino 
from  the  neutral  port  of  Tunis,  during  the  war  with 
Britain.  He  left  Algiers  8th  July — obtained  water  and 
refreshments  at  Cagliarion  the  15th — and,  on  the*25th, 


252  LIFE  OF 

anchored  in  the  bay  of  Tunis.  The  Commodore  com- 
municated with  the  American  consul,  and  immediately 
demanded  ample  satisfaction.  The  Bey,  although  he 
had  a  powerful  marine  force  between  him  and  the 
American  squadron,  acceded  to  the  demand  of  $46, 000, 
and  paid  the  money  to  Mr.  Noah,  agent  for  the  Aballino, 
upon  the  31st.  Upon  paying  the  money,  the  prime 
minister's  brother,  who  fluently  spoke  English,  turned 
to  the  British  consul,  then  in  conference  with  Coram. 
Decatur,  and  indignantly  said, — "You  see,  Sir,  what 
Tunis  is  obliged  to  pay  for  your  insolence.  I  ask  you, 
whether  you  think  it  just,  first  to  violate  our  neutrality, 
and  then  to  leave  us  to  be  destroyed,  or  pay  for  your 
aggressions  ?"  Such  an  interrogatory  from  a  Mahomet- 
an to  a  Christian,  would  have  made  Hamlet  exclaim' — 
"  That  is  wormwood." 

Upon  the  2nd  August,  Coram.  Decatur  sailed  for 
Tripoli,  and  anchored  there  upon  the  5th.  A  combina- 
tion ofcircumstanc.es  rendered  his  arrival  at  this  place, 
and  the  situation  in  which  he  arrived,  most  peculiarly 
interesting.  He  once  more  beheld  the  batteries  and 
the  castle,  under  the  guns  of  which,  more  than  eleven 
and  a  half  years  before,  he  destroyed  the  frigate  Phila- 
delphia— and  but  t-wo  days  from  eleven  years  since  he, 
with  the  galiant  Macdonough  and  a  little  crew,  fought 
the  unparalleled  battle  with  the  gun  boats — slew  double 
their  own  number — capi  ared  two  full-manned  boats  with 
one  boat  less  than  half-manned,  and  avenged  the  death 
of  Lieut.  Decatur.  Here  too,  was  the  theatre  of  Som- 
ers\  Wadsworth' s  and  Israel's  glory,  and  their  glorious 
voluntary  deaths.  If  gallant  spirits  above,  are  permit- 
ted to   witness  scenes  below,   with  what  rapture  must. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  253 

the  spirits  of  these  immortalized  heroes  have  hovered 
over  the  American  squadron,  wafting  triumphantly  upon 
the  waves  from  which  they  ascended. 

From  the  deck  of  the  Macedonian,  a  visible  trophy 
of  Decatur's  glory,  the  gallant  Capt.  Jones  could  view 
the  cattle  in  which  he  was,  for  many  tedious  months, 
gloomily  incarcerated — from  which  his  present  com- 
mander in  chief  with  the  great  Preble,  restored  him — 
and  whose  noble  prize  he  now  commanded. 

Comm.  Decatur  immediately  communicated  with  Mr. 
Jones,  the  American  consul  at  Tripoli,  and  learned  that 
the  Bashaw  permitted  a  British  sloop  of  war  to  take 
two  American  vessels  from  his  harbour,  and  refused 
protection  to  an  American  cruiser  in  the  last  war.  The 
Commodore  immediately  made  demand  of  the  Bashaw 
for  a  full  restitution.  The  sum  demanded  was  §25,000, 
The  governour  was  dispatched  to  the  Gurricre  to  in- 
duce a  diminution  of  the  sum.  He  might  have  said — 
"  Most  potent  chief,  my  master,  the  son  of  the  Prophet9 
eleven  years  past,  demanded  of  the  great  Preble, 
$600,000,  as  tribute  and  ransom,  and  received  but 
$60,000."  The  Commodore  might  have  answered— 
.*'  Your  demand  arose  from  your  wickedness  in  enslaving 
American  citizens — ours  arises  from  justice  in  claiming 
indemnification  for  your  violation  of  our  treaty.  The 
American  government  paid  the  $60,000  out  of  compas- 
sion to  your  master,  and  we  demand  about  half  of  it 
back  as  a  matter  of  right — The  money  must  be  imme- 
diately paid  to  the  American  consul."     It  was  paid. 

Comm.   Decatur  demanded   the    restoration   of  two 
Danes,  and   eight   Neapolitans  from  bondage.     They 

22 


254  LIFE  OF 

were  restored,  and  came  on  board  the  Gum'ere  to  hail 
their  "  Deliverer." 

Comm.  Decatur  sailed  for  Syracuse  the  principal 
rendezvous  of  Comm.  Preble's  squadron  in  1803  and 
1804,  where  the  then  Lieut.  Decatur,  with  Stewart, 
Lawrence,  Morris,  Macdonough  and  other  young  and 
gallant  ooean-warriours,  digested  those  plans  and  expe- 
ditions that  began  that  reputation  which  each  of  them 
have  so  nobly  advanced  since,  and  which  may  now  be 
said  to  be  unrivalled  by  any  class  of  men  who  ever  ex- 
isted. The  squadron  reached  there  the  10th  August, 
and  upon  the  20th  feached  Messina,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  a  few  repairs,  as  the  squadron  had  been  on  the 
wing  almost  constantly  since  it  left  America.  He  was 
here  on  the  dominions  of  the  king  of  Naples,  and  here 
landed  the  overjoyed  Neapolitans  whom  he  rescued 
from  Tripolitan  bondage. 

Comm.  Decatur,  after  sufficiently  repairing,  sailed 
for  the  Bay  of  Naples,  and  arrived  there  Sept.  2nd. 
Every  officer  in  the  squadron  well  knew,  that  in  this 
buy,  Nelson  once  received  the  most  unbounded  honors, 
and  that  in  this  bay.  captivated  by  the  fascinating ehaims, 
and  depraved  by  the  diabolical  heart  of  Lady  Hamilton, 
he  impressed  a  stain  upon  his  escutcheon  which  the 
splendid  rays  of  his  glory  could  never  conceal.  The 
niuiuered  Neapolitan  Marquis  Caracciallo,  will  never 
be  forgotten  by  the  readers  of  Nelson's  biography.* 

The  noble  Decatur,  with  a  fame  untarnished,  and 
with  a  grateful  heart,  arrived   here  to  acknowledge  a 

*  Vide  Southey^s  Life  of  Nelson.  Charnock,  another  biogra- 
pher of  Nelson  has  omitted  this  tragical  story. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  255 

favour  years  before  received  from  the  king  of  Naples, 
or  two  Sicilies,  and  to  make  a  suitable  return  lor  the 
obligation.  Through  the  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs 9 
he  thus  addressed  the  King. 

U.  S.  Sh>'p  G  urn  ere,  Naples,  Sept.  8,  1815. 

Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  inform  your  excellency 
that  in  mv  late  negociation  with  the  Bashaw  of  Tripoli, 
I  demanded  and  ootained  the  release  of  eight  Neapolitan 
captives,  subjects  of  his  majesty,  the  king  of  the  two  Si- 
cilies. These  I  have  landed  at  Messi?ia.  It  affords 
me  threat  pleasure  to  have  had  it  iromy  power,  by  this 
s»m,ill  service,  to  evince  to  his  majesty  the  grateful  sense 
entertained  by  our  government,  of  the  aid  formerly 
rendered  to  us  by  his  Majesty  during  our  war  with 
Tripoli. 

With  great  respect  and  consideration,  I  have  tha 
honour  to  be  your  excellency's  most  obedient  servant. 

•     STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

His  excellency .  the  Marquis  Cercello, 
Secretary  of  State,  4'C.  4,'C 

The  Marquis,  after  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the 
letter,  and  laying  it  before  "  the  king  his  master/'  thus 
proceeds. 

Naples,  12th  Sept.  1815, 

Sir — His  Majesty  has    ordered  me  to   acknowledge 

this  peculiar  favour  as  the  act  of  your  generosity,  which 

you  have  been  pleased  to  call  a  return  for  the  trifling 

assistance  which  the  squadron  of  your  nation  formerly 


256 


LIFE    OF 


received  from  his   royal   government  during  the  war 
with  Tripoli. 

In  doing  myself  the  pleasure  of  manifesting  this  senti- 
ment of  my  king,  and  of  assuring  you,  in  his  name,  that 
the  brave  American  nation  will  always  find  in  his  Ma- 
jesty's ports  the  best  reception — I  beg  you  will  receive 
the  assurances  of  my  most  distinguished  consideration. 

Marquis  CERCELLO, 

Secretary  of  State,  and  Minister  of 
Foreign  Affairs. 
Comm.  Decatur,  Commander  of 
the  Squadron  of  U.  S.  of  America. 

When  Comm.  Decatur  received  this  acknowledgment 
from  the  king  of  the  Two  Sicilies,  his  noble  and  gene- 
rous heart  felt  a  higher  satisfaction  than  when  Nelson, 
from  the  same  source  received  the  Title  and  Dukedom 
of  Bronte. 

The  Commodore,  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,  of  August  31st,  says — "  I  hope  to  find  the  relief 
squadron  from  America." — He  sailed  for  Gibraltar,  and 
there  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  finding  his  noble  fri;nd 
Comm.  Bainbridge,  in  the  noble  line  of  battle  ship 
Independence,  the  first  American  ship  of  her  rate  that 
ever  anchored  in  the  bay  of  Gibraltar.  She  was  ac- 
companied by  the  Congress,  Chippewa,  Saranac,  Erie, 
&c.  and  both  Squadrons  formed  a  junction  under  Comm. 
Bainbridge. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  Comm.  Bainbridge  at  Gibraltar 
with  the  relief  squadron,  the  officers  of  his  Britannic  Ma- 
jesty's army,  were  as  much  irritated  with  the  names  of 
some  of  his  ships,  as  the  naval  officers  were  with  those 
of  Comm.    Decatur's.      The   "  Chippewa"   reminded 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  25? 

them  of  the  battle  of  the  5th  of  July,  1814,  in  the  Pen- 
insula of  Upper  Canada.  The  "Saranac"  of  the  bat- 
tle of  Pittsburgh,  September  11th.  The  "Erie"  of 
the  splendid  sortie  from  that  fort,  September  17th. 

Comm.  Bainbridge  arrived  at  Carthagena  about  the 
10th  of  August,  1815— proceeded  to  Algiers,  and  by 
exhibiting  the  Independence  convinced  the  Dey  of  a 
fact  which  he  before  doubted  ;  that  the  American  gov- 
ernment could  b'Jild  Seventy  Fours  without  the  consent 
of  that  of  Great  Britain.  He  found  Mr.  Shaler  and  his 
countrymen  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  peace  negociated 
a  few  weeks  before  by  Comm.  Decatur  and  him. 

He  then  proceeded  to  Tripoli,  and  found  the  vigilant 
Decatur  had  suddenly  settled  affairs  with  that  barba- 
rian power.  It  is  ea^y  to  imagine  the  feelings  of  the 
noble  Commodore  upon  reaching  the  bay  of  Tripoli.  It 
was  there  the  tiae  frigate  Philadelphia  was  lost  upon  the 
rocks,  under  his  command — and  it  was  in  the  dismal 
dungeon  now  in  his  view,  where  he,  Capts.  Porter, 
Jones,  Biddle,  and  his  fine  crew,  lingered  away  eighteen 
tedious  months  in  a  bondage  indescribably  wretched. 
Had  war  existed,  the  castle  where  he  was  immured, 
would  have  been  demolished  by  his  squadron  in  one 
hour. 

He  then  sailed  for  Tunis  and  found  the  dismayed  Tu- 
nisian Bey  had  given  all  that  Decatur  demanded, — 
shewed  him  his  squadron,  and  took  his  leave. 

He  then  sailed  for  Malaga,  having  missed  Comm. 
Decatur,  who.was  either  nt  Messina,  repairing  his  fleet, 
or  at  Naples,  receiving  the  grateful  acknowledgments 
of  a  king.  At  Malaga,  the  governou.r  manifested  a  res- 
pect for  Comm.  Bainbridge  which  he  never  had  shewn 

*  22 


258  LIFE    OF 

to  any  admiral,  of  high  or  low  grade.  He  made  the 
Commodore  a  formal  visit  in  the  Independence,  where 
afterwards,  (in  1817)  the  President  of  the  United  States 
piid  him  the  same  respect.  No  man  deserved  his 
honours  better.  Comai.  Bainhndge  is  not  only  an  ac- 
complished and  gallant,  but  a  veteran  naval  officer. 

He  met  Comm.  Decatur  at  Cibraltar— the  two  squad- 
rons formed  a  junction  at  that  place— and  he,  with  infi- 
nite satisfaction,  lowered  his  broad  pendant,  and  saw 
that  of  his  noble  friend  in  life  and  at  death,  triumphantly 
waving  over  a  noble  fleet  of  Seventeen  Sail  :  a  fleet, 
a  commander,  officers,  and  seamen,  never  surpassed,  if 
ever  equalled. 

Eleven  years  before  this  period, the  little  squadron  of 
Comm.  Preble  had  excited  the  admiration  uf  the  friends 
of  the  Republic  and  the  consternation  of  her  enemies. 
The  achievements  of  this,  had  produced  unspeakable 
atonishment.  Comm.  Bainbridge,  in  speaking  of  the 
Barhary  powers  of  Africa,  says — k'  The  only  mode  of 
convincing  these  people  is,  by  occular  demonstration.' " 
Comm.  Decatur  s^iys — "  The  only  sure  guarantee  we 
.tan  have  for  the  maintenance  of  the  peace  just  concluded 
with  these  people,  is  the  presence,  in  the  Mediterranean 
of  a  respectable  naval  force." 

The  disciples  and  followers  of  Allah,  Mahomet,  Ma- 
hommed,  or  whatever  the  arch  impostor  of  Mecca  may 
be  called,  may  hereafter  rest  assured,  that  their  four- 
limes  daily  repeated  ori?or'S,  and  their  devotional  enu- 
meration of  beads,  will  no  more  save  them  from  the 
Christian  cannon  of  America,  when  they  recommend 
♦heir  Manometan  rapacity. 


STEPHEN   DECATUR.  259 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Recapitulation  of  Coram.  Decatur's  achievrm^nts  &c.  in  the 
Mediterranean  in  1815 — Rewards  by  promotion — Necessity 
of  different  grades  of  office — Arduous  duties  of  Department 
of  the  Navy — Board  of  Navy  Commissioners  established — 
Coram.  Decatur  appointed  Navy  Comnassioner — Du.ies  of 
the  Navy  Commissioners — Responsibility  ot  the  office — Na- 
val Architecture — Rates  of  Ships— Comparative  power — 
Annual  expense  of  ships  of  different  rates — Improvement  in 
Ship-building— inventions— -Assiduity  of  Comm.  Decatur — 
Honours  paid  him— Difficulty  of  designating  Officers — Comm. 
Macdonough— -Comm.   Barron. 

Comm.  Decatur  arrived  in  America  in  the  Gnrriere 
upon  the  12th  day  of  November  1815,  having  surren- 
d  red  the  other  ship*  of  nis  squadron  to  Comm.  Bain- 
bridge,  and  which  returned  in  the  sqiadroft  with  him. 
Cornm.  Decatur  had  been  absent  from  America  one 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  days.  It  may  afford  gratifica- 
tion, as  it  surely  must  excite  astonishment  to  the  reader, 
to  recapitulate,  in  few  words,  the  service  performed, 
and  the  deeds  achieved  by  the  fqu  idron  under  his 
command  during  this  period — the  time  id  which  a  single 
merchantman  usually  makes  a  voyage  from  an  Ameri- 
can to  an  European  port,  and  back  again.  Iutiiis  little 
period  of  time,  Comm.  Decatur 

1 .   Made  a  voyage  from  America  to  Europe  in  squadron. 
&.   Captured  an  Algerine  Frigate  in  the  Mediterranean, 

killed  the  Algerine  Admiral  with  30  itf  his  crew,  and 

took  406  prisoners. 


260  LIFE  OP 

3.  Captured  a  large  Algerine  Brig  of  war,  with  170 
prisoners,  and  sent  her  to  a  neutral  port. 

4.  Negociated  a  most  advantageous  treaty  with  the  Dey 
of  Algiers — obtained  indemnification  for  captures  of 
American  merchantmen,  &.c.  &c.  and  released  a  Spa- 
nish consul  and  merchant  from  bondage. 

5.  Demanded  and  obtained  indemnification  from  the 
kingdom  of  Tunis,  for  suffering  the  B.itish  to  violate 
the  neutrality  of  their  port  by  taking  American  ves- 
sels. 

6.  Demanded  and  obtained  from  the  kingdom  of  Tripoli 
indemnification  for  the  same  cause,  and  the  release 
of  ten  European  Christian  slave*  in  bondage. 

7.  Repaired  the  American  Squadron  in  a  Neapolitan 
port. 

8.  Restored  to  the  king  of  the  Two  Sicilies,  eight  of  his 
subjects  rescued  from  Turkish  bondage — received 
his  grate/ul  acknowledgments  and  assurances  of  fa- 
vour to  the  "  brave  American  nation ." 

9.  Sailed  down  the  Mediterranean  and  surrendered  his 
squadron  (except  the  Gurriere)  in  prime  order  to 
Comm.  Bainbridge. 

10.  Made  a  voyage  from  Europe  to  America  in  the 
Gurriere. 

We  may  fruitlessly  search  the  annals  of  navigation, 
from  the  time  the  magnetic  needle  was  discovered — 
from  the  days  of  Vasqucz  de  Garna,  and  Columbus,  (the 
first  of  whom  Jirst  doubled  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
at  about  the  same  time  the  last  discovered  the  continent 
of  America)  down  to  this  period  (1820)  for  a  parallel 
with  this  accurate  statement.  Had  Cornm.  Decatur, 
with  his  squadron  gone  merely  upon  a  sailing  "  match 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  261 

against  time,"  as  his  skilful  father  did  against  Capt. 
Tryon,*  he  would  have  been  far  mote  successful  than 
his  progenitor.  But  how  must  the  admiration  of  the 
reader  be  augmented  when  he  reflects,  that  during  this 
period  he  conquered  one  of  the  most  powerful  and  war- 
ring kingdoms  of  Mahomet  into  peace — compelled  two 
more  refractory  kingdoms  of  the  Prophet  of  Mecca  to 
bow  to  American  prowess,  and,  after  restoring;  Chris- 
tian captives  to  their  homes,  received  the  grateful  hom- 
age of  a  Christian  king  ?  The  celerity  and  power  of  his 
movements  in  this  justly  renowned  expedition,  reminds 
one  of  the  passage  of  the  electric  fluid  through  the  at- 
mosphere, and  the  prostration  of  every  object  it  strikes, 
at  one  moment  raising  wonder,  at  the  next  exciting 
consternation.! 

In  this,  Decatur's  last  expedition  to  the  Mediterra- 
nean, he  clearly  evinced  the  five  great  qualifications  of 
an  accomplished  naval  commander — Nautical  skill — 
science  in  Naval  tactics — perseverance  in  pursuit 
— skill  in  gunnery,  and  bravery  in  action.  The  two 
last  he  had  but  little  opportunity  to  call  into  operation  ; 
for  the  renowned  Hammida,  in  the  heaviest  Algerine 
frigate  Mazouda  with  a  crew  of  from  450,  to  500,  was 
slain  at  the  fii  st  broadside  from  the  Gurriere,  and  at  the 
second,  his  lieutenant  struck  the  Turkish  crescent  to 
the  American  banner. 

*  Vide  Chap.  III. 

t  Lest  this  should  be  deemed  "a  mostjiery  simile^  its  extra- 
ragance  is  certainly  less  than  that  of  a  writer  in  Queen  Ann's 
reign  (the  Augustan  age  of  England)  who  compares  the  victories 
of  the  Duke  of  Marlborough  to  that  cf  Michael,  hurling  moun- 
tains at  the  rebellious  angels,  and  thrusting  them  out  of  heaven. 


262  LIFE  OP 

Coram.  Decatur's  arrival  from  the  Mediterranean, 
diffused  the  most  enthusiastic  joy  amongst  his  asso- 
ciates— the  measures  he  had  pursued  received  the  high 
commendation,  and  unqualified  a;  robation  of  the  A- 
merican  government  ;  and  his  countrymen,  with  an  un- 
divided voice,  gave  him  a  rank  amongst  the  first  He- 
roes and  Benefactors  of  the  Republic. 

It  was  ever  the  happiness  of  Coinm.  Decatur  to 
know  that  hi?  reputation  was  constantly  progressing  by 
every  successive  act  of  his  naval  life,  and  that  in  no 
single  instance  had  he  the  mortification  to  perceive  that 
it  was  retrograding.  To  impute  this  to  mere  "  good 
fortune,"  would  be  a  miserable  eulogy  upon  his  active 
worth,  and  positive  merit.  A  continued  series  of  fortu- 
nate events,  not  uufr^quently  give^  a  temporary  eclat,  to 
the  man  of  mere  negative  qualities.  It  is  a  fortuitous 
fame,  however,  whicn  vanishes  with  the  uncertain  and 
capricious  whims  of  fortune  which  gave  it  existence. 
Stephen  Decatur  left  nothing  to  be  decided  by  for- 
tune, and  submitted  not  the  least  event  to  its  decision. 
To  be  sure,  like  all  other  men,  he  was  liable  to  have 
his  most  judicious  calculations,  and  active  exertions  de- 
feated, by  misfortunes  ;  but  if  tbey  succeeded,  to  his 
skill,  energy,  and  p  ^severance,  was  the  credit  due, 
and  to  him  was  it  justly  ^iven. 

In  a  preceding  chapter,  the  subject  of  having  a  va- 
riety of  grades  of  office,  as  affording  a  reward  for  gal- 
lant deeds  by  promotion,  was  with  extreme  defer- 
ence, however,  suggested.  It  is  not  for  the  biographer 
to  obtrude  his  own  opinion  upon  his  reader  or  the  pub- 
lic. But  since  slightly  (mentioning  the  subject,  the 
writer  has  carefully  examined  all  the  Reports  of  Naval 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  263 

Committees,  and  the  official  opinions  of  the  different 
Secretaries  of  the  Navy,  and  may  certainly  allude  to 
them  without  the  charge  of  arrogance.  » 

The  Report  of  th  Naval  Committee  of  November 
1814  states  that,  "  The  nation  with  whom  we  are  now 
at  war  (Great  Britain)  is  said  to  have  about  a  thousand 
public  ships,  to  command  which  she  has  not  less  than 
two  hundred  ADMIRALS,  of  ten  different  grades^  as- 
cending from  rear  Admiral  of  the  blue,  to  the  Admi- 
ral of  the  fleet.' ' 

This  able  committee  recommended  the  appointment 
of  officers  above  the  grade  of  Po?t-Captain  (now  the 
highest)  which  would  of  course  be  Admirals.  It  has 
already  been  seen  that  even  the  Algerines  had  one  Ad- 
miral at  least,  until  Comm.  Decatur  encountered  him 
in  a  single  ship,  and  killed  him  in  action. 

The  Hon.  William  Jones,  the  vigilant  and  active 
Secretary  of  the  Navy,  during  almost  the  whole  of  the 
second  war  with  Britain,  thus  forcibly  and  elegantly 
expresses  himself  upon  this  subject  : — u  Captains  of 
long  and  honourable  standing,  cannot  but  contrast  the 
cheerless  prospect  of  promotion  in  the  naval  service, 
with  the  rapid  and  high  distinction  which  their  military 
brethren,  with  equal,  but  not  higher  pretensions,  have 
attained." 

Let  the  "  contrast"  be  presented  to  the   reader. — 
Two-fifths  if  not  one  half  of  the  whole  force  of  the  Re- 
public in  the  second  war,  was  in  the  Navy. 
In  the  Army  were  8  Major-Generals, 

1 6  Brigadier  Generals. 

The  immense   number  of  Colonels, 

Lieutenant    Colonels,    Majors,    Cap- 


264 


LIFE    OF 


tains,  and  Lieutenants,  may  be  easily 
calculated  upon  the  principles  upon 
which  the  army  was  organized. 
The  Navy  had  and  still  has  but  three  grades  of  of- 
fice— Post  Captains,  Masters  Commandants  and  Lieuten- 
ants ;  the  title  of  Commodore,  as  previously  remarked, 
arising  solely  from  the  circumstance,  of  being  senior  of- 
ficer in  a  squadron.     It  is  presumed  that  some  of  our 
/    venerated  and  gallant  Post  Captains  have  held  that  im- 
moveable rank  (unless  it  be  by  removal  from  the  Navy) 
for  more  than  twenty-jive  years.     Although  the  subject 
is  a  4<  cheerless"  one  indeed,  I  hope  to  be  pardoned 
for  the  levity  of  remarking,  that  the  elder  gallant  offi- 
cers of  the   American  Navy,  whose  locks  have  been 
blanched  upon  the  ocean,  and  whose  crowns  have  be- 
come bald  in  the  service  of  their  country,  have  not  to 
impute  the  last,  as  an  old  British  Post- Captain  did,  to 
the  numerousjwmor  officers  who  had  (ravelled  over  his 
head,  to  the  dignity  of  Admirals — for  our  government 
have  not  yet  seen  fit  to  give  to  our  noble  Navy  a  single 
Admiral. 

The  Hon  B.  W.  Crowninshield,  who  came  into  the 
Navy  Department  upon  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Jones, 
in  his  Jirst  communication,  recommended  the  creation 
of  the  rank  of  Admiral.  He  thus  cogently  assigns  the 
reason — <v  It  has  been  seen  and  lamented,  that  for  want 
of  this  grade  of  command,  the  gallantry  of  a  subordi- 
nate officer  could  be  rewarded  by  promotion,  while  his 
gallant  superior  officer  must  remain  stationary." 

In  1814,  out  of  the  immense  navy  of  Britain,  she  had 
but  ninety-nine  74s  in  commission,  and  she  had  two  hun- 
dred and  nine   admirals — besides  twenty-seven,    upon 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  265 

half  pay  !  In  1820,  in  the  House  of  Lords,  there  are 
thirteen  Peers  of  the  Realm  raised  to  that  high  dignity 
for  naval  achievements.  Perhaps  the  asseveration  of 
Shakespeare's  ever-living  facetious  knight  will  apply 
to  this  case — -"  It  is  ever  the  way  of  this,  our  English  na- 
tion to  make  too  much  of  a  good  thing  ;"  and  if  a  bound- 
less national  debt,  and  interminable  ramifications  of 
taxation,  are  "good  things"  the  blessings  of  them  have 
been  somewhat  increased  in  this  way. 

But,  while  pouring  out  the  effusions  of  our  grateful 
hearts  in  admiration  of  our  peerless  Naval  Champions, 
let  us  not  diminish  our  confidence  in  the  unequalled 
government  of  our  majestic  Republic.  In  the  course 
of  these  hasty  sketches,  the  caution  of  our  rulers,  in 
augmenting  the  national  debt,  by  suddenly  advancing 
the  national  glory,  has  been  adverted  to,  and  will  not 
be  repeated.*  It  redounds  to  their  endless  honour- 
it  extorts  encomiums  from  our  bitterest  enemies — it 
imparts  to  our  countrymen  the  richest  blessings.  To 
say  they  have  been  too  stinted  in  their  economy,  in  re- 
gard to  the  Navy  ;  and  illiberal  in  their  rewards  to  our 
naval  heroes,  would  require  an  arrogance  which  but 
few,  even  of  our  untutored,  unthinking,  and  visionary 
politicians  possess.  But  as  ours  is  a  government  of  lae 
people,  the  people  may  fearlessly,  although  respectful- 
ly express  their  sentiments  of  the  government.  The 
voice  of  the  people  must  and  will  prevail.  To  resist 
it,  if  it  were  possible,  is  not  just,  and  if  it  were  just,  is 
not  possible.  It  is  presumed  then,  that  our  Civil  Fa- 
thers will  in  a  proper  time,  and  in  a  proper  manner, 

*  Vide  Chap.  V. 


266  LIFE  OF 

bestow  those  rewards  by  rank  and  emolument,   which 
our  gallant  Ocean  Warriaurs  so  richly  deserve. 

Mr.  Secretary  Hamilton,  Jones  and  Crownr  shield, 
and  the  most  distinguished  Post-Captains,  a!)  concurred 
in  the  opinion  of  the  indispensable  necessity  of  crea- 
ting a  Board  of  Navy  -  Commissioners.  The  great  and 
diversified  duties  of  the  Navy  Department  had  so  ac- 
cumulated, that  it  became  wholly  impracticable  for  the 
most  capable  and  laborious  secretary  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  it  with  honour  to  himself  and  advantage  to  the 
nation. — The  Naval  Committee  of  1815,  discovered 
alarming  abuses  in  the  Navy,  from,  to  use  their  lan- 
guage— 

1st.   The  excessive  and  laborious  duty  of  the  Secre- 
tary. 
2nd.   The  want  of  sufficient  checks  upon,  and  the  conse- 
quent irresponsibility  of,  subordinate  agents. 
3rd.  The  great  latitude  allowed  commanders  in  alter- 
ing, repairing,  and  finishing  their  ships. 
Congress,   in   the  session  of  1815,    established  the 
board  of  Navy  Commissioners,  and  the  President,  by 
and  with   (he  advice  of  the  Senate,  appointed   Comm. 
Rogers,  Capts.  Hull,  and  Porter  to  the  high  and  impor- 
tant duties  of  the  office.     Never  was  there  a  more  ju- 
dicious selection  of  officers.     Thev  were  all  veterans 
of  the   "Mediterranean  School."     The  first  was  the 
vigilant  watchman  over  American   commerce  and  sea- 
men during  the  war  in  disguise  with  Britain,  and  dared 
return  the  fire  of  a  Britiih  ship  of  War.     In  open  war 
the  frigate  President,  drew  after  her  an  immense  por- 
tion of  the  British  fleet,  and  enabled  a  vast  amount  of 
American  property  to  reach  our  shores  in  safety.     The 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  267 

second,  brought  down  the  first  British  flag  of  the  first 
British  frigate  that  ever  struck  to  an  equal  force.  The 
third %  when  an  impudent  British  commander  of  a  force 
something  inferiour  to  him,  bore  down  upon  the  Essex, 
almost  sunk  him  in  eight  minutes.  He  sent  the  first 
British  flag  to  Washington.  With  the  Essex  he  swept 
British  commerce  from  the  immense  Pacific  ocean.— 
The  Essex— but  where  could  we  stop  in  detailing  her 
achievements.  She  drained  the  coffers  of  British 
merchants,  and  the  treasury  of  England  of  wealth  suffi- 
cient to  build  the  whole  of  the  then  American  Nary. 

Upon  the  return  of  Comm  Decatur  from  the  Medi- 
terranean, and  the  retirement  of  Capt.  Hull,  he  suc- 
ceeded him  as  a  Navy  Commissioner. 

As  it- regards  his  capability  of  dis-charging  the  highly 
important  and  very  responsible  duties  of  this  station,  1 
need  say  nothing  to  those  who  have  had  the  patience 
to  peruse  these  imperfect  sketches  of  his  life. 

The  duties  of  a  Navy  Commissioner,  (so  far  as  the 
organization  of  the  government,  and  the  navy  of  Amer- 
ica and  England  have  an  analogy)  corresponds  with 
that  of  a  Lord  of  Admiralty  in  the  latter  country.  It  is 
always  the  part  of  wisdom  to  accumulate  wisdom  even 
from  the  experience  of  enemies  ;  and  although  our 
commanders,  seamen,  discipline,  naval  skill,  &.c.  have 
been  pjoved  to  be  decidedly  superiour  to  their  enemy's, 
yet  it  might  be  erroneous  to  say  that  they  have  not  de- 
rived, in  past  times,  some  benefit,  in  this  respect,  from 
the  first  maritime  power  in  the  universe. 

The  duties  of  the  board  of  Navy  Commissioners  are 
as  multifarious  as  the  vast  variety  of  Naval  concerns  ; 
and  although  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and 


268  LIFE    OF 

the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  have  a  paramount  authority, 
yet,  through  this  board,  almost  every  important  measure 
originates.  From  voluminous  reports  and  documents 
the  following  brief  outline  is  collected.     The  Board 

1.  Determine  the  various  classes  of  ships  to  be  built, 
quality  of  materials,  model:*,  &c. 

2.  Establish  regulations  for  the  necessary  expenditures, 
and  the  correct  accounting  for  them. 

3.  Regulations  for  ascertaining  the  actual  state  of  de- 
cayed, damaged  or  defective  vessels,  and  the  dispo- 
sition of  them. 

4.  Regulations  for  the  Naval  Service,  at  Sea  and  upon 
the  Lakes. 

5.  Regulations  for  flotillas,  and  for  every  species  of 
harbour  defence. 

6.  Regulations  for  Navy-yards,  Arsenals,  depot  of 
stores,  materials,  Lc. 

7.  Regulations  for  cruising  ships,  ships  in  port,  for  the 
recruiting  service,  officers  on  duty  on  shore,  and  on 
furlough. 

8.  A  system  for  hospitals,  and  the  medical  department. 

9.  Regulations  for  the  conduct  of  Pursers,  fixing  their 
emolument — mode  of  accounting  and  securing  seamen 
from  undue  advantages. 

10.  Regulations  for  the  examination  of  the  officers  oi 
the  Navy  below  Master-Commandant — classing  them 
in  the  scale  of  merit — determining  promotions,  and 
the  applications  for  warrant  appointments. 

These  important  duties,  with  all  their  various  rami- 
fications, surely  must  need  the  most  comprehensive 
views,  and  the  most  minute  acquaintance  with  naval  sci- 
ence.    They  also  require  the  most  unceasing  vigilance 


STEPHEN  DECATUR,  269 

and  application.  No  wonder  that  abuses  should  have 
crept  into  the  Navy,  and  that  a  succession  of  Secreta- 
ries should  have  urged  an  establishment  of  such  a.bo  »rd. 
These  abuses  have  been  corrected,  and  the  pecuniary 
affairs  of  the  Navy  are  now  as  accurately  adjusted  us  the 
accounts  of  an  educated  merchant. 

Although  confidence,  to  a  certain  degree,  must  be  re- 
posed  in  every  agent  of  the  Republic,  vet  that  confi- 
dence ought  ever  to  be  under  the  controling  hand  of 
responsibility.  The  guardians  of  our  rights  will  never 
adopt  the  sentiment  of  an  English  minister,  who  de- 
manded from  Parliament  "'  necessary  confidence,''  and 
who  was  answered  by  o.ie  of  the  greatest  statesman 
who  ever  graced  the  councils  of  Britain.  '  ■  jYecesuiry 
confidence  In  the  public  agents,  is  at  he-t  but  a  necessary 
evil,  and  ought  not  to  be  reposed."  Our  rulers,  tha  ks 
to  the  stubborn  and  unyielding  resistance  against  cor- 
ruption, have  not  yet  passed  "  Jets  of  Indemnity"*  to 
shield  encroachments  upon  the  Con;-Ututton,  and  pecu- 
lations in  the  Treasury  from  punishment. 

Cooun.  Decatur  brought  into  this  board  his  whole 
experience — his  whole  vigilance,  and  his  unspotted  in- 
tegrity. In  his  brother  commissioners,  he  iound  men 
like  himself,  devoted  to  the  best  interest  o£tne  N  vy 
and  the  Country.  A  new  era  commenced  in  our  growing 
naval  establishment.  Order  was  brought  out  of  confu- 
sion, and  system  was  substituted  for  derangement. 
They  were  to  the  Navy,  what  the  unequalled  Hamilton 
once  w«s  to  the  Treasury. 

*  Such  acts  have  frequently  been  passed  to  shield  a  British 
minister  from  disgrace  and  punishment. 


270  LIFE  OF 

It  might  be  supposed  that  this  was  a  relief  from  his 
arduous  duties  upon  the  ocean.  A-k  Comm.  Rodgers 
and  Capt.  Porter  if  it  were  so  ?  Ask  them  if  their  per- 
petual duties,  do  not  excite  unremitting  solicitude,  and 
call  forth  every  exertion  of  the  mind  and  the  body  ? 
Even  the  details  of  common  business,  which  require 
nothing  but  ordinary  attention,  without  any  exertion  of 
judgment,  is  irksome  and  fatiguing — add  to  this  the  ne- 
cessity of  improvement  where  errors  have  been  dis- 
covered, and  of  invention,  where  some  new  regulation 
is  necessary — add  again,  the  exposure  to  censure,  when 
mistaken,  and  the  cold  and  hesitating  approbation  when 
right,  and  the  official  duties  of  a  Navy-Commissioner 
will  assume  an  aspect  far  from  captivating,  but  these 
duties  must  be  performed. 

Naval  Architecture,  more  than  any  one  in  the  whole 
circle  of  the  arts,  requires  original  genius,  taste  and 
judgment.  The  ancient  orders  of  architecture,  in  e- 
recting  temples,  palaces  and  mansions  upon  earth;  and 
the  little  improvement,  and  great  injuries  they  have 
sustained  by  modern,  architects,  are  easily  learned  by 
the  commonest  ability,  and  reduced  to  practice  by  mere 
mechanical  ingenuity.  So  plain  is  the  road  in  this  art, 
that  he  who  reads  may  run  in  it  ;  and  if  by  ignorance 
or  wilfulness  he  strays  from  it,  he  gets  involved  in  an 
inextricable  labyrinth  of  blunders,  from  which  he  can 
only  be  relieved  by  retracing  his  wandering  steps.  But 
in  the  erection  of  Ships,  there  can  hardly  be  said  to  be 
an  established  principle,  for  where  there  is,  there  may 
be  uniformity.  Why  is  it  often  said  that  such  and  sue*" 
a  ship  is  the  best  sailer  in  the  American  or  British  Navy  ? 
Why  did  Comm*   Decatur  say  so  of  the  Macedonian? 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  271 

and  why  was  his  noble  father  in  the  Philadelphia,  beat- 
en by  Capt.  Tryon  in  the  Connecticut,  in  a  sailing- 
match  ?  Why  did  the  navai  architects  of  Britain  take 
models  from  the  wretched  Chesapeake,  when  broken 
up,  when  she  was  deemed  altogether  the  most  ill-con- 
structed ship  in  the  American  Navy  ?  It  was  owing  even 
to  her  superiority  over  their  own.  If  the  President 
and  the  Essex,  were  not  too  much  battered  and  riddled 
by  the  squadrons  of  Comm.  Hays  and  Hillyer,  to  have 
reached  British  ports  perhaps  the  ship-carpenters  of 
his  majesty  George  IV.  may  derive  a  still  greater  bene- 
fit from  scrutinizing  the  wrecks  of  them.  They  are 
the  only  models  they  will  ever  have  in  their  ports,  un- 
less the);  are  gained  by  the  same  overwhelming  superi- 
ority of  force. 

Although  our  Navy  cannot  number  the  years  con- 
tained in  a  quarter  of  a  century,  yet,  in  point  of  ele- 
gance, strength,  power,  and  celerity,  our  ships  most 
decidedly  surpass  any  that  have  floated  upon  the  ocean 
from  the  days  of  Carthage  to  this  age.  Witness  the 
escapes  of  the  Constitution,  Argus,  Hornet,  Peacock,  Src. 
and  the  victories  of  every  one  of  our  ships  in  fair  and 
equal  combat  ;  atid,  to  mention  the  most  signal  instance 
of  rapidity  in  movement,  witness  the  Gurriere,  and 
Comm    Decatur's  second  squadron  in  1815. 

Itis  to  the  skill,  genius,  and  inventive  faculties  of  our 
Nayy-Commissioners,  Post-Captains,  and  Naval  Archi- 
tects that  we  owe  this  American  superiority,  in  the 
c-onstruction  of  our  ships.  But  their  armament  also  is 
of  prime  consideration.  The  reader  mj.y  be  gratified 
Vy  a  very  brief  sketch,  made  from  voluminous  docu- 


272  LIFE  OF 

ments  of  the  comparative  force   of  ships   of  different 
rate. 

In  the  British  Navy  there  are  four  denominations  of 
ships — 1.  Skips  of  the  line,  from  the  largest,  down  to 
Sixty-Fours.  2.  Fifty-fours  to  Fifties,  a  distinct  class 
but  ratnd  with  the  line  of  battle  ships.  3  Forties,  to 
Twenties,  unexceptionably  rated  as  Frigates.  All  the 
foregoing  are  commanded  by  Post-Captains.  4  Eigh- 
teens,  to  Sixteens,  are  Sloops  of  War.  Ail  are  pierced 
and  mount  more  guns  than  they  are  registered  a*.  Be- 
sides these  there  are  Schooners,  Fire-ship-,  Bombards, 
Gun  boats,  Tenders,  Cutters,  &c.  &c. 

In  the  American  Navy  are,  Seventy  fours,  Forty  fours, 
Thirty-twos,  Sixteens,  Brigs,  Schooners,    Gun- boats.  <$•£. 

Tne  comparative  force  of  Seventy  fours  and  Forty- 
fours,  (although  at  first  it  may  excite  surpriz  )  is  as 
one  to  three.  It  is  demonstrated  thus  :  a  74,  at  one 
round,  discharges  3224  lbs.  of  shot  ;  a  44,  discbarges 
1360  lbs.  As  the  class  of  ship*  is  increased,  the  force 
is  increased,  in  proportion  of  one  to  three.  Seventy- 
fours  are  stronger  in  scantling,  thicker  in  sides  and  bot- 
tom, less  penetrable  to  shot,  and  less  liable  to  be  bat- 
tered. A  Seventy-four  is  a  fair  match  for  three  44's  in 
action.  To  give  the  frigates  the  most  favourable  posi- 
tion, two  at  the  quarter  and  stern,  rind  one  abreast  of 
the  74.  From  the  superiour  weight  of  metal  in  the 
destructive  battery  of  the  74.  the  frigate  abreast  would 
be  dismasted  or  sunk  with  two  broadsides.  In  tae 
mean  time,  the  quarter  and  stern  of  the  74  might  not  be 
essentially  injured  ;  and  when  a  broadside  could  be 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  other  two  frigates,  they  must 
share  the  fate  of  the  first.     Still,  three  frigates  mi{    t 


STEPHEN    DECATUR,  27$ 

take  a  74,  and,  what  is  quite  as  probable,  a  74  might 
eapture  or  sink  three  frigates. 

•  The  relative  efficiency  of  Frigates  am]  Sloops  of  War 
is  at  least  as  one  to  two  ;  and  nearly  the  same  reasoning 
will  apply  to  them  as  to  74's  and  44's.  The  Cyane  was 
frigate  built,  and  mounted  34  guns  ;  the  Levant^  21,  and 
yet  the  gallant  and  accomplished  Capt.  Charles  Stew- 
art, (from  whose  enumerations  the  preceding  state- 
ment was  collated,)  captured  them  both  in  40  minutes. 
Having  very  briefly  alluded  to  the  erection  and  arma- 
ment of  ships,  I  will  with  still  greater  brevity  allude  to 
the  expense  of  both,  premising  that  the  astonishing  sav- 
ing of  money  has  been  effected  by  the  indefatigable  ex- 
ertions  of  the  Secretary  and  Commissioners  of  the  Navy. 
Twenty  years  ago,  the  expense  of  building  and  equip- 
ping a  74  was  estimated  at  $342,700  ;  only  seven  years 
ago,  at  $300, 000.  The  expense  of  a  74,  and  of  con- 
sequence, of  every  description  of  ships  is  reduced  near- 
ly one  third.  The  annual  expense  of  a  74,  in  commis- 
sion in  1812,  was  estimated  at  $202,110  ;  its  annual 
expense  now,  (1820)  including  repairs,  is  18*.  ,529  64  ; 
a  44  gun  Frigate,  $133.9b5  73;  a  36  gun  Frigate, 
$1 10  557  19  ;  a  Sloop  of  War,  $59,069  42  ;  a  Brig, 
$39,774  67  ;  a  large  Schooner,  $23,350,  and  small, 
$6,462  ;  a  Gun  Boat,  or  Galle)  ,  $6  243  ;  a  Steam  Fri- 
gate, $&9,b60  41  ;  a  Block-Ship,  $^9,774  67  ;  a  Re- 
ceiving Si. ip,  $4,240.  The  rea>on  of  mentioning  the 
minute  sums  is,  that  the  writer  prefers  '*  official  docu- 
ments" to  *  "...vague  conjectures." 

Coma/.  Decatur  was  indefatigable  in  discharging  the 
duties  of  his  important,  responsible  and  difficult  station. 
Those  duties,  as  they  were  discharged  in  the   cabinet^ 


274  LIFE    OP 

excited  no  applause  from  the  multitude,  who  knew  not 
their  importance.  He  was  no  longer  engaged  in  bring- 
ing down  the.  Cross  of  St.  George,  in  the  Atlantic,  or 
the  Turkish  Crescent,  in  the  Mediterranean.  His 
pursuits  attracted  no  attention  from  the  world  which 
must  al  vays  have  a  brilliant  object  before  it  to  produce 
its  admiration.  But  the  acute  penetration  of  a  Crown- 
inshield  in  the  Navy  Department,  and  of  a  Rodghrs  and 
a  Porter  in  the  Board  of  the  Navy,  full  well  knew  and 
duly  appr  ciated  his  surpassing  excellence.  As  our 
Navy  has  justly  become  the  favourite  of  the  Republic, 
James  Monroe,  President  of  the  United  States,  and,  by 
the  Constitution,  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  maritime, 
(as  well  a*  the  military  force.)  was  here  enabled  to  dis- 
cover the  profound  science  of  Coram.  Decatur  in  naval 
tactics.  He  had  before,  in  common  with  our  country- 
men, participated  largely  in  the  enthusiastic  rapture  pro- 
duced by  hi?  unequalled  victories  in  the  Mediterranean 
sea,  and  on  the  Atlantic  ocean;  he  here  had  an  opportuni- 
ty to  notice  the  theory  of  that  almost  mysterious  system, 
which  enabled  him,  no  less  than  his  dauntless  bravery, 
to  achieve  them.  Comparisons  have  always  been  justly 
pronounced  odious,  and  will  not  be  entered  into.  All 
the  American  naval  officers  of  the  first  grade,  are  ac- 
complished commanders.  They  have  undoubtedly  ac- 
quired some  of  the  theory  of  their  profession  from 
books  ;  but  as  books  never  teach  the  u-e  of  books,  they 
have  reduced  the  knowledge  they  acquired  from  them 
in  the  closet,  to  actual  practice  upon  the  ocean. 

The  confidence  reposed  in  Coram,  Decatur  when  he 
was  appointed  a  Navy  Commissioner,  by  the  cautious, 
penetrating,  and  profound  Statesmen,  who  placed  him 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  275 

there,  .evinced  hi=  entire  fitness  to  fill  the  high  and  im- 
portant  station.  His  survivors  in  that  station  will  not 
doubt  the  judiciousness  of  the  choice.  Nor  will  a 
Murray,  a  Bainbridge,  or  a  Campbell,  his  seniors, 
doubt  it.  There  was  one  more  senior  to  him,  and  he 
could  not  doubt  it— it  was  Coram.  James  Barron. 

Comm.  Decatur  had  other  views  than  those  who 
hold  a  sinecure  office  under  the  monarch  of  Britain, 
who  derive  an  immense  reward  from  their  government 
without  rendering  any  service  to  the  nation.  In  order 
to  discharge  his  duties  to  that  country  to  which  his  gal- 
lant and  patriotic  father  had  devoted  him,  he  was  aware 
that  he  must  first  understand  it.  Knovving  that  a  ship 
of  war,  if  originally  badly  constructed,  could  never  be 
amended,  he  sought  for  the  best  information  that  could 
be  obtained  from  ancient  and  modern  experience.  He 
knew  full  well  that  Englishmen  claimed  all  the  V  origin- 
al discoveries"  that  had  been  made  in  modern  Naval 
Architecture.  He  knew  that  one  Englishman  claimed 
the  invention  of  "  diagonal  braces,"  and  the  construc- 
tian  of  ships  by  "  timbers  so  closely  adhering  to  each 
other,  and  caulked,  as  to  be  impervious  to  water." 
He  knew  also  that  they  claimed  the  invention  of"  iron 
cables."  He  knew  that  they  claimed  the  invention  of 
"  iron  knees"  for  ships.  Without  violently  disputingthe 
claims  of  our  trans-atlantic  enemies,  he  was  solicitous 
that  the  American  Navy  should  have  all  the  benefit  of 
these  discoveries,  let  them  have  originated  wherever 
they  did.  At  the  same  time  he  knew  where  they  did 
originate.  He  knew  that  the  first  claimed  invention 
was  not  original  with  Englishmen.  He  knew  that  the 
invention  of  the  Steam  Frigate  "  with  timbers  impervi- 


276  LIFE    OF 

ous  to  water,"  by  that  unparalleled  mechanist,  Fulton, 
the  model  of  which  he  examined  at  New-London, 
when  blockaded  there,  by  an  immensely  superior 
force,  was  made  many  months  anterior  to  any  preten- 
sions of  an  English  architect.  As  to  "  iron  cables,"  he 
knew  that  they  had  been  used  on  the  Delaware  river, 
on  the  banks  of  which  he  spent  his  early  life,  long  be- 
fore an  English  architect  knew  their  use.*  As  to  "  iron 
knees,"  he  knew  that  Comm.  Truxton  shewed  an  A- 
merican  naval  architect  the  "  iron  knees"  of  the  frigate 
Insurgente,  captured  by  him  in  the  little  Constellation, 
in  1799.  All  these  improvements  became  familiar 
with  Americans,  before  Englishmen  pretend  to  have 
discovered  them. 

While  England  claims  to  be  the  mother  of  America, 
let  her  not  forget  that  the  child  will  not  forever  bear 
the  unprovocated  rod  of  his  parent.  Nor — "  Lick  the 
hand  just  rais'd  to  shed  its  blood" — and  that  sometimes 
he  surpasses  his  progenitors  in  science  and  achieve- 
ments. 

Comm.    Decatur,  although   ever  ready  to  meet  the 

enemies   of  bis  country,   in  combat,  never  detracted 
from  their  skill  or  gallantry.     He  would  as  readily  ac- 

*  The  writer,  in  investigating  this  subject,  had  an  interview 
with  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  experienced  ship-builders  in 
New-England.  He  commenced  the  business  at  fourteen,  and 
excepting  the  period  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  in  which  he 
was  a  gallant  soldier  under  Gen.  Putnam,  followed  it  to  this 
time  (1820.)  He  distinctly  remembers  examining  a  "  chain  ca- 
ble" upon  an  armed  American  ship  in  New-York,  in  1783,  when 
discharged  from  the  army,  and  minutely  described  it.  He  did 
not  fight  in  the  second  war,  but  he  would  now  nerve  his  arm  at 
the  sight  of  Capt.  Shortland,  who  assassinated  his  son  in  Dart- 
moor Prison  in  1814  !  ! 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  277 

knowledge  the  real  skill  and  prowess  of  an  Englishman 
as  a  Turk,  both  of  whom  he  had  conquered,  and  both 
of  whom  he  had  treated  with  humanity  and  respect, 
when  he  had  vanquished  them.  He  was  aware  that 
his  countrymen  were  as  inventive,  in  improving  the 
construction  of  ships,  as  they  were  skilful  in  navigat- 
ing and  fearless  in  fighting  them  ;  and  preferred  the 
real  superiority  of  his  own,  to  the  gasconading  boasts  of 
another  nation. 

But  while  Comm.  Decatur  was  thus  engaged  in  ad- 
vancing the  permanent  force  of  the  American  Navy, 
temporary  relaxations  from  the  intensity  of  application 
to  his  official  duties,  enabled  him  to  participate  in  the 
captivating  enjoyments  of  accomplished  society,  beside 
that  which  the  metropolis  afforded. 

Three  states  lay  in  their  claim  to  him  as  a  citizen— 
Maryland,  because  he  was  born  in  it — Pe7insylvania3 
because  he  adopted  it,  and  Virginia  because  she  fur- 
nished him, 'with  the  source  of  his  most  exquisite  en- 
joyment, a  lovely,  dignified,  and  accomplished  bosom 
companion.  It  is  not  necessary  to  decide  which  state 
has  the  best  claim  to  citizenship ;  suffice  it  to  say,  each 
of  them  strived  to  outvie  each  other  in  civility  to  him, 
whenever  his  short  excursions  led  him  into  them. 
His  entry  into  their  larger  towns,  although  in  the  most 
unostentatious  style,  called  forth  every  possible  de- 
monstration of  esteem,  respect,  and  admiration.  It 
was  not  the  unmeaning  and  idolatrous  veneration  which 
a  degraded  and  humiliated  people  pay  to  monarcbs  and 
princes  who  have  no  claim  upon  their  affection,  and 
which  proceeds  more  from  fear  than  attachment — it 
was  the  voluntary  effusion  of  the  heart,   proceeding 


Qi 


278  LIFE  OF 

from  a  knowledge  of  his  inestimable  worth,  and  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  incalculable  cervices  he  had  ren- 
dered the  Republic. 

The  refined  and  patriotic  citizens  of  Baltimore,  ever 
prompt  in  serving:  their  country  themselves,  and  equal- 
ly ready  to  manifest  their  respect  for  those  who  have, 
presented  Comm  Decatur  with  a  superb  service  of 
plate,  upon  each  piece  of  which  wa«  this  inscription — 

"The  Citizens  of  Baltimore,  to   Comm.  Decatur." 

'•  Rebus  gestis  insigni — ob  virtutes  dilecto."* 

Although  the  classical  examiner  would  readily  see 
from  this  inscription  that  the  citizens  of  Baltimore  con- 
veyed the  truth  admitted  by  all,  that  Comm.  Decatur, 
was  "  Distinguished  for  his  heroism,  and  admired  for  his 
virtues"  yet  some  observers  might  not  be  so  fortunate. 

The  citizens  of  Norfolk.,  (Vii.)  than  whom,  no  por- 
tion of  Americans  better  knew  the  private  and  public 
worth  of  Comm.  Decatur,  besides  the  constant  display 
of  individual  esteem,  invited  him  to  a  splendid  public 
dinner.  It  is  upon  such  occasions,  that  the  frank  and 
unsophisticated  sentiments  of  generous  bosoms  are  elu- 
cidated. Surrounding  the  festive  board,  and  casting 
their  eyes  upon  the  Hero  of  the  Mediterranean,  they 
gave  in  unison,  this  sentiment — than  which,  nothing 
could  be  more  forcibly  conceived,  or  elegantly  express- 
ed. 

Although  it  is  readily  admitted,  that  the  most  elegant  mottos 
are  to  be  found  in  this  most  elegant  of  languages,  yet  as  English 
is  the  language  of  Americans,  however  different  their  principles, 
would  it  not  be  more  judicious  to  convey  oui  ideas  in  our  vernac- 
ular tongue? 


STErHEx\  DECATUR.  279 

"  The  Crescent — Its  lustre  was  dimmed,  even  by 
ihe  twinkling  of  our  Stars." 

Such  a  sentiment  was  worthy  of  the  present  genera- 
tion of  Virginians,  amongst  whose  fathers,  in  the  war 
of  the  Revolution,  were  Washington,  Jefferson, 
Madison,  Monroe  and  Patrick  Henry.  It  compelled 
Comm.  Decatur  to  take  a  sudden  retrospect  of  his 
eventful  life  in  the  Mediterranean — his  capture  of  the 
Intrepid — his  destruction  of  the  Philadelphia  frigate, 
and  his  unparalleled  conflict  with  the  Gun-bosts. 

At  Petersbiirgh,  in  that  patriotic  state,  they  were  no 
less  ardent  in  their  attachment  to  the  favourite,  and  fa- 
voured Decatur.  After  receiving  every  public  de- 
monstration of  respect  that  could  he  shown,  he  gave 
the  following,  modest,  ingenuous,  and  grateful  senti- 
ment. 

"  The  Citizens  of  Petersrurgh — They  render 
honours  to  those  for  services,  which  they  themselves 
have  exceeded." 

In  Philadelphia,  he  was  always  received  with  rap- 
ture, for  there  they  "  knew  him  best."  His  early  com- 
panions presented  him  with  a  splendid  service  of  plate, 
accompanied  with  a  most  finished  and  elegant  letter. 
A  short  extract  from  his  answer  will  be  inserted.  "  I 
beg  the  committee,  composed  of  names  with  which  my 
earliest  and  most  agreeable  ideas  are  associated,  to  ac- 
cept my  warmest  thanks  for  the  very  flattering  senti- 
ments you  have  expressed  toward  me." 

The  events  in  the  Navy  Department,  not  immediate- 
ly connected  with  the  life  and  character  of  Stephen 
Decatur,  cannot  be  enlarged  upon.  From  the  time 
he   entered  upon   the  arduous  duties  of  a  Navy-Com- 


280  LIFE    OF 

missioner,  his  mind  was  completely  engrossed  by  them  ; 
every  other  object  was  of  secondary  consideration. 
Amidst  these  duties  however,  he  participated  in  the 
captivating  enjoyments  of  the  metropolis.  He  enjoyed 
the  society  of  the  great  men  of  our  great  Republic, 
there  stationed  to  manage  its  vast  concerns.  He  here 
appeared  in  the  capacity  of  a  Statesman,  and  excited 
no  less  respect  than  when  he  appeared  in  the  more 
dazzling  character  of  a  Hero.  With  the  Secretary  of 
the  Navy,  his  brother  Commissioners,  and  naval  offi- 
cers, he  was  perfectly  at  home  ;  and  surely,  amongst 
all  the  objects  of  magnitude,  that  involves  the  profound 
reflections  of  our  rulers,  no  one  surpasses,  nor  indeed 
equals  that  of  naval  defence.  With  a  sea- board  of  three 
thousand  miles, — indented  with  some  of  the  largest 
bays,  sounds  and  rivers  in  the  world — their  borders 
and  mouths,  containing  much  of  the  vast  wealth  accu- 
mulated from  the  interiour — assailable  in  numberless 
points  by  a  naval  enemy,  it  is  reduced  to  absolute  de- 
monstration, that  our  safety  in  future  depends,  much, 
very  much  upon  naval  power.  However  much  we 
may  be  struck  with  the  formidable  power  of  land  bat- 
teries, the  experience  of  modern  warfare  evinces  clear- 
ly, the  vast  superiority  of  batteries  that  are  floating. 
With  our  majestic  ships  of  the  line,  our  frigates,  sloops 
and  Brigs,  Americans  can  carry  our  arms  where  they 
rind  our  enemies,  and  make  them  flee  from  where  they 
are  found.  If  they  dare  intrude  upon  our  harbours, 
they  will  meet  with  that  novel,  that  tremendous,  that 
almost  resistless  engine  of  death  and  destruction,  the 
steam  frigate.  To  be  sure  our  immense  frontier  is 
to  be  guarded  by  armies,  and  fortifications ;    but  even 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  28 1 

there,  a  moving  rampart  of  high-minded  men,  is  found 
to  be  vastly  more  efficient  than  stationary  forts,  re- 
doubts  and  breast-works.  Present  to  the  enemy  our 
flying  artillery,  and  a  rampart,  formed  by  a  front,  brist- 
led with  bayonets,  and  led  on  by  brandishing  swords,  an 
enemy  will  much  sooner  retire  than  they  would  from  a 
fort  which  they  might  besiege  with  safety  at  a  secure 
distance— which  they  might  possibly  overcome  by  star- 
vation, or  conquer  by  an  over-.',  helming  superiority  of 
force.  But  the  writer,  in  this  volume,  has  nothing  to 
do  with  the  army  of  the  xR.epublic,  it  belongs,  with  all 
its  imperfections  and  errors  to  the  Navy.  It  was  only 
intended  to  shew,  that  a  moveable  force  is  every  where 
preferable  to  a  stationary  one,  any  where. 

The  most  difficult  duty,  and,  in  a  personal  point  of 
view,  the  most  liable  to  censure,  that  Comrn.  Decatur 
had  to  perform,  as  Navy-Commissioner,  was  ihe  selec- 
tion of  officers  for  different  commands.  In  every  other 
of  the  vast  variety  of  duties  he  had  to  discharge,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and  his 
brother  Commissioners,  they  related  to  the  Navy  gen- 
erally;  and  equally  effected  every  one  from  the  highest 
to  the  lowest  grade  of  officers.  But  in  restoring  offi- 
cers to  commands,  after  they  had  been  suspended  from 
them  by  arrests,  inquiries,  and  trials,  and  alter  the  term 
of  suspension,  after  inquiries  and  trials,  had  expired, 
exposed  them  to  the  personal  animadversions  of  every 
naval  officer  who  had  been  implicated. 

The  President  of  the  United  States,  during  the  pe- 
riod of  Comm.  Barron's  most  important  command,  thus 
expresses  himself — "  Of  the  various  executive  duties,  no 
one  excites  more  anxious  concern,  than  that  of  placing 

*  24 


282 


LIFE  OF 


the  interest  of  our  fellow  citizens  in  the  hands  of  honest 
men,  with  understanding  sufficient  for  their  stations.  JVo 
duty  at  the  same  time  is  more  difficult  to  fulfil ." 

Numerous  instances  upon  this  subject  might  be  men- 
tioned ;  but  perhaps  no  one  so  signal  as  that  of  the  ar- 
rest of  Comm.  Macdonough  by  Comrn.  Stewart  in  the 
Mediterranean  in  1819  can  be  alluded  to.  The  parti- 
culars are  not  sufficiently  known  to  the  writer  to  give 
a  minute  detail :  and  were  they  so,  the  limits  of  tkis 
work  would  forbid  them.  Suffice  it  to  say,  he  was 
arrested  by  Comm.  Stewart — deprived  of  his  command, 
to  which  his  junior  succeeded  ;  and  he  arrived  at  the 
seat  of  government  to  account  for  his  conduct.  Upon 
his  arrival  there,  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
the  Secretary  of  the  Nrivy,  and  the  Navy  Commission- 
ers, beheld  one  of  the  heroes  of  the  Mediterranean 
and  the  hero  of  Champlain  under  arrest  !  His  unspot- 
ted life — his  unexampled  modesty — his  achievements  in 
the  wars  against  Turks  and  Englishmen,  induced  them 
all  to  hope  that  he  was  "•  not  guilty." 

No  one  could  possibly  enter  into  the  feelings  of  the 
endeared  Macdonough,  like   Stephen  Decatur.     He 
had  been  his  favourite  Midshipman  in  the  Mediterrane- 
an— he  had  followed  wherever  he  led,  and  where  but 
few  others  would  follow.     He  had  seen  him  add  one  of 
the    most  splendid  trophies  to   the    naval  prowess  of 
America  over  England — he  must  have  hoped  that  he 
had  not  even   made   a  mistake  in  his  duty.     But  what 
ivas  the  admiration   of  the    noble  Decatur,  when  he 
found  hU  beloved  friend,  as  noble  as  himself,  ingenu 
ously  acknowledging  that  he  had  been  mistaken  ?     Mac- 
donough had  often  achieved  victories  over  the  enemies 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  283 

of  his  country — he  here  achieved  his  greatest — it  was 
a  victory  over  himself.  Comm.  Decatur  enjoyed  the 
infinite  satisfaction  of  seeing  Comm.  Macdonough  im- 
mediately after  placed  in  the  highest  command  which 
one,  commanding  a  siogle  ship,  in  the  American  Navy, 
can  be  placed— that  cf  the  command  of  a  Seventy- 
four. 

Comm.  Barron,  whose  name  stands  the  third  in  the 
Naval  Register  of  the  American  Republic,  had  long 
been  out  of  service.  He  had  been  suspended  from  the 
naval  service  in  consequence  of  the  well  known  "  af- 
fair of  the  Chesapeake  and  Leopard  frigates  ;"  the  de- 
tails of  which  would  be  harrowing  up,  and  opening 
afresh  the  most  aggravated  wound  ever  inflicted  upon 
the  honour  of  the  American  Navy.  The  writer  hes- 
itates as  he  approaches  the  subject.  From  that  disas- 
trous affair,  more  than  from  any  other  cause,  arose  the 
second  war  between  our  peaceful  Republic  and  imperi- 
ous Britain;  and,  if  any  calamity  greater  than  war  to  our 
country  could  have  visited  it,  it  essentially  contributed 
to  the  tragical — the  disastrous  death  of  Stephen  De- 
catur. 


284  LIFE    OF 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Comra.  Barron  solicits  a  command  in  the  Navy — Coram.  Deca- 
tur's opinion  as  to  his  re-adthission  into  the  Navy—The  unfor- 
tunate misunderstanding  between  them— It  eventuates  in  a 
challenge  to  single  combat,  from  Barron  to  Decatur— Duel- 
ling— Result  of  the  meeting— -Immediate  effects  of  it— Hon- 
ours to  the  remains  of  Comm  Decatur — Funeral  ceremonies 
at  his  interment— -His  Character. 

The  writer  approaches  to  the  conclusion  of  these 
sketches,  with  a  solicitude,  if  possible,  greater  than 
that  which  he  has  experienced  in  the  progress  of  (hem. 
His  blood  almost  congeals  as  he  writes — his  heart  throbs 
at  every  sentence — and  his  feeble  powers  sensibly  ex- 
perience their  insufficiency  to  portray  the  calamitous 
catastrophe  and  its  calamitous  consequences.  It  is  not 
for  the  writer  to  fathom  the  motives  of  Comm,  James 
Barron,  nor  pronounce  a  sentence  upon  a  deed  which 
has  spread  mourning  through  our  vast  Republic.  To 
his  Country  and  to  his  Creator  i*  he  accountable. 
Stephen  Decatur's  fame  would  acq  ire  no  new  tint 
of  lustre  by  an  attempt  to  throw  a  sha  le  over  the  cha- 
racter uf  the  surviving  combatant.  A  Dearborn  could 
not  blast  the  fame  of  a  Putnam,  by  attempting  to  e^ect 
the  fabrick  of  his  glory  upon  his  ruins.  -Comm.  Bar- 
ron is  too  generous  to  triumph  over  a  fallen  hero,  or 
attempt  to  tarnish  his  fame. 

Let  the  reader  peruse  the  following  unvarnished 
tale,  and  as  nothing  will  be  recorded  with  a  view  of 
impairing  the  living  reputation  of  Comm.   Barron,  so 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  285 

nothing  will  be  omitted  to  defend  the  memory  of  Comm. 
Decatur — consecrated  by  death.  Defend,  did  I  say  ? 
let  me  retract — his  memory  needs  not  the  defence  of 
the  living.  His  posthumous  fame  can  neither  be  aug- 
mented by  eulogy,  nor  diminished  by  aspersion. 

As  a  Navy  Commissioner,  Comm  Decatur  had  an 
important  official  duty  to  perform  ;  and  for  the  perform- 
ance of  it,  he  was  accountable  to  his  superiours,  to  his 
country,  to  his  conscience,  and  his  Creator.  Let  his 
decision  have  affected  whom  it  might,  the  reputation, 
the  honour,  and  the  glory  of  the  American  Navy,  were 
ever  first  in  his  thoughts,  first  in  his  words,  and  first  in 
his  deeds.  Having  been  devoted  to  the  naval  service 
of  his  country  by  his  noble  father,  and  by  his  own  ar- 
dent heroism,  he  had  ever  manifested  a  readiness  to 
spill  his  blood,  and  spend  his  life  in  advancing  its  glory. 
The  Navy  was  his  pole  star  ;  and  his  views  were  as 
undeviatingly  fixed  upon  it,  as  the  needle  points  to  the 
pole.  He  had  arisen  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest 
grade  of  command  in  actual  service,  and  forever  submit- 
ted to  the  orders  of  his  superiours,  and  the  decisions  of 
naval  tribunals,  without  an  animadversion.  When  call- 
ed upon  to  decide  upon  the  conduct  of  others,  be  ap- 
proved or  disapproved  as  his  well-informed  judgment 
dictated.  Personal  attachments,  and  also  personal  an- 
tipathies (if  he  had  any)  were  merged  and  swallowed 
up  in  the  paramount  interest  of  the  Navy. 

When  placed  in  the  important  official  station  of  Navy- 
Commissioner,  he  had  the  highly  delicate,  and  respon- 
sible duty  of  a  judgp  of  merit  and  demerit  to  perform. 
It  would  require,  some  being  '•'•more  than  ma?i"  to  satis- 
fy all,  and  in  some  instances,  decisions  might  meet  with 


286  LIFE  OF 

reprehensions,  from  those  who  were  "less  than  man" 
ought  to  he.  His  motto  in  this  capacity  was — "  Be 
just,  and  fear  not."  When  called  upon  by  official  duty 
to  decide  a  question  which  might  affect  his  senior  in  the 
Navy,  he  as  fearlessly  and  as  impartially  pronounced  his 
judgment,  as  in  the  case  of  the  youngest,  Midshipman. 
Unspotted  himself  as  an  officer,  he  made  himself  the 
standard  of  naval  character.  Alas!  the  model  was  too 
perfect  for  universal  imitation,  and  he  perhaps  too  un- 
yielding and  too  tenacious,  in  adhering  to  it.  The 
honour  of  the  American  Navy  was  to  him  as  the  virtue 
of  a  wife  was  to  Csezar — "  It  must  not  only  be  chaste — 
itmu^st  be  unsuspected."  If  there  ever  was  degenera- 
cy in  the  Navy,  he  was  always  too  exalted  to  sink  to  it, 
and  too  elevated  to  be  approached  by  it. 

Thus  fixed,  and  thus  undeviating,  Comm.  Barron  so- 
licited the  Navy  Department  for  a  re-instatement,  in  his 
command  in  the  Navy.  Comm.  Decatur  had  served  un- 
der him  in  the  Mediterranean,  in  1804,  and  succeed- 
ed him  in  the  command  of  the  Chesapeake  frigate  in 
1807.  From  the  last  mentioned  period  to  1819,  Comm. 
Barron  had  not  been  in  actual  service,  although  he  had 
ever  beer,  under  that  pay  which  was  established  for  of- 
ficers in  his  situation.  In  that  year,  (1819)  Comm.  De- 
catur, as  Navy  Commissioner,  had  to  express  his  opin- 
ion in  regard  to  the  fitness  of  Comm.  Barron  to  take  a 
command  in  the  Navy.  He  did  express  it  in  his  official 
capacity,  and  in  interviews  with  officers  of  the  Navy. 

As  to   the  "  affair   with  the  Chesapeake,"  in    18C7, 
however  deeply  it  might  have  wounded  the  honour  of 
the  Navy,  he  had  nothing  to  do.     Comm.  Barron   had 
suffered  the  disabilities  which  a  court  martial  adjudged  ; 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  287 

and  those  disabilities  had  ceased — the  time  of  hid  sus- 
pension from  service  had  expired.  But,  Comm.  De- 
catur, frankly,  and  unreservedly  declared,  that  "  he  en- 
tertmned,  and  still  did  entertain  the  opinion  that  his  con- 
duct as  an  officer,  since  that  affair,  had  been  such,  as 
ought  forever  to  bar  his  re- admission  into  the  service  "  at 
the  same  time  unequivocally  declaring  that  he  "dis- 
claimed all  personal  enmity  toward  him.'9 

As  to  the  sentence  of  the  court- martial,  although  ap- 
proved by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Comm. 
Barron  declared  it  to  be  "  cruel  and  unmerited,"  and 
further  remarks — "  It  is  the  privilege  of  a  man  deeply 
injured  as  I  have  been  by  that  decision,  and  conscious  of 
not  deserving  it,  to  remonstrate  against  it."  Before 
what  tribunal  that  remonstrance  was  to  be  made,  is  not 
conceived.  As  to  his  conduct  since  the  promulgation 
of  that  sentence,  Comm.  Barron  endeavoured  to  excul- 
pate himselt  from  every  imputation.* 

A  long  and  animated  correspondence  commenced  be- 
tween these  officers  in  June  1819,  and  terminated  in 
February,  1820.  It  is  sincerely  to  be  lamented  that  it 
ever  met  the  public  eye — it  is  deeply  to  be  regretted 
that  the  jealous  enemies  of  our  rising  Navy,  ever  pored 
over  it  with  malignant  satisfaction—for  satisfaction  it 
will  ever  be  to  them  to  discover  disaffection  between 
our  accomplished  and  gallant  Naval  officers.  While 
Americans  lament  the  personal  altercations  between 
Perry  and  Heath,  Decatur -and  Barron,  &c.  our  enemies 
rejoice  at  them. 

Without  dwelling  longer  upon   a  subject  pregnant 
with  the   most  gloomy   reflections,  we   must  now  add, 
that  the  various    explanations  and  recriminations,    be- 
*  Vide  correspondence  of  Decatur  and  Barron. 


288  LIFE    OF 

tween  Commodores  Decatur  and  Barron,  ended  in  a 
direct  call  from  the  last  to  meet  the  first  in  the  field  of 
single  combat,  and  which  he  accepted.* 

This  is  no  place  to  enter  into  a  dissertation  upon  the 
subject  of  duelling,  nor  will  it  be  attempted.  It  belongs 
to  the  Legislators  of  our  Republic  to  enact  laws  upon 
the  subject— it  belongs  to  Judicial  Tribunals  to  enforce 
them — it  belongs  to  the  Ministers  of  oui  Holy  Religion 
to  pronounce  the  canons  of  the  Divine  Law — it  belongs 
to  the  Teachers  of  Morality  to  inculcate  its  doctrines 
upon  this  practice.  Above  all,  it  belongs  to  the  most 
distinguished  officers  of  our  Navy  and  Army  to  evince 
their  sentiments  upon  this  subject  by  their  examples. 
They  have  devoted  themselves  to  the  *  Profession  of 
Arms."  It  is  a  profession  in  which  a  high  sense  of  hon- 
our forms  the  prominent  feature.  Not  that  superficial, 
puerile  and  execrable  sense  of  honour  which  is  founded 
upon  the  mere  unmeaning  punctilios  of  modern  refine- 
ment, modern  effeminacy,  and  modern  degeneracy. 
That  sense  of  honour  is  meaned,  which  led  our  ances- 
tors to  proclaim  us  free — to  scorn  submission  to  ty- 
rants— to  face  them  upon  ocean  and  upon  earth,  and 
to  pour  out  their  richest  blood  for  their  country.  Their 
arms  were  turned  against  the  enemies  of  the  Republic. 
and  not  against  each  other  ! 

*In  1799,  the  Earl  of  St.  Vincent  (Sir  John  Jervis)  received  a 
challenge  from  Sir  John  Orde,  for  giving  a  preference  to  Sir 
Horatio  Nelson  in  the  command  of  a  squadron.  It  was  of  course 
accepted.  But  the  friends  of  the  parties  interfered.  The  civil 
authority  put  their  lordships  under  bonds  for  keeping  the  peace, 
and  restrained  two  gallant  officers  from  making  war  upon  each^ 
other. 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  289 

While  the  officer  of  genuine  honour  will  avoid  the 
infliction  of  a  wound  upon  the  reputation  of  his  superi- 
or, equal,  or  inferior,  he  will  equally  avoid  that  un- 
restrained resentment  which  calls  upon  him  to  violate 
the  laws  of  Earth,  of  Heaven,  and  of  Honour  itself.  It 
is  impossible  to  ascertain  the  degree  of  moral  guilt 
between  him  whose  provocation  rouses  up  the  spirit 
of  revenge,  and  him  whose  vengeance  can  be  appeased 
only  with  blood.  Alas  !  within  the  last  quarter  of  a 
century,  our  Republic  has  been  called  to  mourn  the 
destruction  of  many  of  her  best  citizens  upon  that 
Jiceldema — "  The  field  of  Honour."  A  catalogue  will 
not  be  attempted,  for  it  would  present  an  awful  chasm 
in  our  greatness. 

The  twenty-second  day  of  March,  1820,  ought  to  be 
kept  as  an  anniversary  of  grief — a  day  of  lamentation. 
Upon  that  fatal,  bloody  day,  the  rich  tribute  of  Deca- 
tur's veins  was  poured  out  upon  the  plains  of  Bladens- 
burgby  the  hand  of  a  brother  officer.  As  he  was  ap 
preaching  the  fatal  spot,  and  as  no  voice  of  human  per- 
suasion could  deter  him  from  his  awful  determination, 
why  could  not  some  ministering  angel  of  sparing  mercy 
have  thus  addressed  him. — v' Erring  and  inconsiderate 
mortal,  forbear  !  Although  it  is  not  given  you  to  pierce 
the  impervious  veil  which  still  conceals  unknown  worlds 
from  your  view,  yet  pause  and  reflect !  Remember 
your  country  to  which  you  have  devoted  yourself,-— 
to  which  your  service  and  life  belong— and  which  has 
so  abundantly  rewarded  yotrr  valour !  Remember  the 
enemies  you  have  fought — the  victories  you  have  won 
—•the  dangers  you  have  escaped — the  glory  you  have 
acquired.     Remember  the  declaration  of  your  sainted 

25 


lliH)  LIKE  OF 

father — "  Our  children  are  the  property  of  our 
intrv." — Remember  your  brother,  v\  ho«e  late  you 
escaped,  and  whose  death  you  avenged — Uemember 
your  surviving  relatives  and  associates,  who  now  anx- 
iously aw  lit  your  fate — Remember  the  tender  and  af- 
fectionate companion  ofyoor  bosom,  whose  throbbing 
and  agitated  heart, in  breathless  expectation  and  horrour, 
listens  the  report  of  the  fearful  shot.  And.  above  all, 
remember  thai  Presei  \  inur  Providence  which  has  guard- 
•  !  you  in  the  mi  Is!  of  death,  in  justifiable  warfare,  and 
tremble  at  the  t!  ought  of  enteringinto  a  contest  in  open 
flotation  of  hi-  de<  I-  Time  your  .object  ?  you 

ha\e  already  reached  its  temple.  I-  vengeance  your 
design  ?  it  most  not  be — thai  belongs  to  heaven.  Re- 
turn, therefore,  to  your  exalted  station,  and  to  the 
bosom  of)  our  anxioui  family  .' 

monitor)  roice  from  the  heavens  above,  and 
no  i  ,  aJov  '/."  dissuaded 

the  ambitious  Cfl  iLLBHi  CI  from  ad  llg  to  the  field. 

The  Chai  j  i  not  d  Dec  itur  suffered  hi*  chivalrous  con- 
ceptions of  honour  %  to  •  ime  the  dictates  of  philoso- 
phy— the  clair.  -  f  bis  country — the  entreaties  of  his 
real  friend?,  and  1  is  own  conscientious  scruples,  in  re- 
gard to  the  propriety  of  the  art,  to  meet   hi-  unrelent- 

,  ponent  in  the  field  of  single  combat  ;   and    thei  1 
arm  to  arm,  furnished  with  deadly  weapons,  to  decide 
a  controversy  which  nothing  but  the  capricious    deter- 
mination  of  fate  could  put  to  rest. 

The  accompanying  friends  of  the  militant  parties,  af- 
ter  the  ,k  dreadful  notes  of  preparation'"  were  sounded, 
silently  waited  the  result.  The  incomparable  military 
skill  of  the  combatant-,  so  often  successfully  exercised 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  291 

•i  the  enemie?  of  their  country,  was  alas!  too  fa- 
tally skillful  upon  tbis  awful  occasion.     At  the  same  mo- 

ut  they  both  tired — at  nearly  the  same  place  both  in- 
flicted  a  wound — at  the  same  moment  they  both  fell — 
one  mortally,  the  other  n  ;  (rounded. 

Comm.  Decatur  was  accompanied  to  the  place  allot- 
ted for  the  shocking  Catastrophe,  by  Comm.  Bainbrid 

and   hi-  Borgeon.     Comm.   Barron   was 

ompanied  by  Capt.  Elliot,  as  hit  -  :ond,  and  his 
sorgeoo.  >  planation  took  place  upon  the  field. 
The  result   of  the  interview  has  been  brieflj ,  for  it 

Id  not  otherwise  be  detail-  d.    Who  c;m,  even  at  this 

>se   of  time,  expatiate   over  the  gashing  wound   of 
Decatur  in  retrosj"         Who  most  not  bare  been  petri- 
fied with  horror  thai  lly  beheld  the  life's  blood  of 
this  unsurpassed  hrro,  crimsoning  the  turf  of  Lis  satire 
con               1  let  forth,  by  the  band  of  ■  natire  conn* 
try  man,  and  that  hand  at  tl  paralyzed  b] 

WOUod  all  but  mortal. 

When  the  wonnded  combatants  viewed  ea  bother 

but  few  i> .  •  -  dist  tnt.  with  w  hat  agony  mast  their  fii 

eye-  li  from  the  I  then 

— for  mere  pain  of  body,  any  man  of  fortitude  will  b 

without    a   groan.     But  "  a  wounded  spirit,  wh  >    < 

ir  .'"     While  yet  the  lamp  of  life  was  unextinguish- 
ed id  cither  of  tl.o.m,  the  well-nerred  arms  which  just 
now  pointed  the  deadly  weapons,  firom  which  issued  the 
n    ssengers  of  re  now  tremblingly 

led  in  token  of  reconciliation.  Oh  !  why  cnulW 
not  the!  -  i),  unyielding  devotees  of  the  delusive 
phantom  of  false  honour,  one  hour  before,  hare  -aid 
to  each  other,  "  Livt;,   and   I  win.  live  also 


292  LIFE  OF 

Comm.  Decatur  was  removed  to  his  mansion  house 
in  Washington,  languishing  in  the  agony  of  approaching 
dissolution.  A  sudden  and  violent  convulsion  in  nature 
could  scarcely  have  produced  a  more  agitating  shock. 
Indeed  the  Yaws  of  nature  had  been  violated,  and  one  of 
its  fairest  works  had  been  prostrated.  Every  object 
from  those  of  the  first  magnitude,  to  those  of  the  most 
trifling  concern,  were  immediately  abandoned,  and 
every  thought  was  intensely  fixed  upon  the  living — the 
dying  Decatur.  Almost  regardless  of  the  forms  which 
tender  sensibility  enjoins,  when  approaching  the  house 
of  death  and  mourning,  every  one  involuntarily  rushed 
to  the  residence  of  the  bleeding  citizen,  and  hero,  who 
but  few  hours  before,  gladdened  their  eyes  by  his  pre- 
sence. 

The  sublime  and  exalted  contemplations  of  the  hero's 
soul,  were  scarcely  interrupted  by  the  agony  of  his  bo- 
dy.    While  nature  was  struggling  to  retain  its  agonizing 
grasp  upon  this  world,  his  celestial  spirit  was  panting 
for  the  regions  of  immortality  :  but  his  immortal  soul 
was  not  summoned  hence,  until  his  lip*  pronounced  his 
decided   disapprobation  of  the  manner  in  which  he 
fell.     His  denunciation  against  duelling,  was  like  a 
voice  uttered  from  the  tomb.     Decatur's  last  faltering 
exclamations  were  a  denunciation  againist  the  duellist. 
His  death  left  a  chasm  in  the  Navy  which  it  might  be 
presumptuous  to  say  cannot  be  filled  ;  but  which,  it  is 
confidently  said,  cannot  be  filled  better.      It  produced  a 
sensation  in  the  metropolis,  at  the  moment  it  was  an- 
nounced, and  through  the  country  as  the  saddening  in- 
telligence spread,  which  never  had  been  experienced 
since  the  fall  of  Hamilton,  who  like  him,  died  in  the 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  293 

midst  of  his  glory  and  usefulness,  and  who  like  him, 
acknowledged  the  guilt  of  the   practice   by  which  he 

fell. 

During  the  gloomy  interim  between  the  22nd  and 
24th  of  March,  every  possible  demonstration  of  respect 
was  paid  to  the  remains  of  Coram.  Decatur,  by  the 
public  authorities,  and  every  condolence,  which  the 
deepest  sympathy  could  afford,  was  extended  to  the  in- 
consolable Mrs.  Decatur. 

The  ardent  affection  and  glowing  patriotism  of  the 
eloquent  John  Randolph,  led  him  to  introduce  a  mo- 
tion into  the  house  of  Representatives  for  the  purpose 
of  inducing  a  formal  display  of  sorrow  upon  the  occa- 
sion. It  called  forth  the  most  unqualified  eulogies  up- 
on the  character  of  the  deceased  hero  ;  but  lest  a  re- 
corded resolution,  upon  the  subject  of  his  funeral  or 
badges  of  mourning  might  be  construed  into  an  appro- 
bation of  the  mode  in  which  he  died,  it  was  deemed 
far  more  judicious  to  leave  it  to  the  spontaneous,  and 
voluntary  effusions  of  sorrowing  hearts  to  manifest 
grief  in  a  way  the  most  appropriate  to  the  melancholy 
occasion. 

Upon  the  24th,  the  metropolis  was  thronged  by  the 
largest  concourse  of  the  public  authorities,  civil,  naval 
and  military,  foreign  ministers,  strangers  of  distinction, 
and  citizens,  that  was  ever  witnessed  there  upon  a  sim- 
ilar occasion,  since  the  corner  stone  of  the  Capitol  was 
deposited,  and  the  foundation  of  the  city  was  laid. — 
The  deepest  sorrow  was  depicted  upon  every  counte- 
nance— the  great  business  of  the  Republic  was  suspen- 
ded in  every  department.  At  4  o'clock,  the  late  resi- 
dence of  the  deceased  hero,  waa  approached,  and  his 

25* 


294  LIFE    OF 

sacred  remains  were  received  by  those  who  were  to 
bear  them  to  the  tomb  of  Kalorama.  The  Procession 
was  thus  appropriately  arranged. 

Funeral  tiring  party  of  Marines,  with  music. 

Officers  of  the  Navy  of  the  United  States. 

Officers  of  Marine  Corps. 

The  Clergy. 

Pull  Bearers.  Pall  Bearers. 

Comra.  Tingey,  ~)    q  ("Comm.  Rodgers, 
Comm.  Macdonough,  O  j  Comm.  Porter, 

Gen.  Je^sup,  }  ^{  Gen.  Brown, 

Capt.  Ballard,  |    co  |  Capt.  Cassin, 
Lieut.  M'Pherson,  L  • '  I.  Capt.  Chauncey. 

Relatives. 
President  of  the  United  States  and  Heads  of  Depart- 
ments. 
Members  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives. 
Tudges,  Marshal,  and  other  Civil  Officers  of  the  United 

States. 

Officers  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States. 

The  Mavors  and  other  Civil  Officers  of  the  District. 

Foreign  Ministers  with  their  Suites,  and  Consuls  of 

foreign  powers. 
The  Citizens. 

The  military  honours  of  the  solemn  occasion,  were 
rendered  by  the  truly  excellent  Marine  Corps,  under 
the  orders  of  their  accomplished  commander,  Major 
Miller.  As  the  procession  began  its  solemn  move- 
ment, minute  guns  from  the  Navy  Yard  were  commen- 
ced ;  and  were  continued  during  the  procession  and 
funeral  service.  The  same  cannon  which  had  so  often 
Announced  the  splendid  achievements  of  Decatvr5  now 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  295 

marked  the  periods  in  bearing  his  remains  from  his  late 
abode  to  the  tomb.  Their  reverberating  thunder 
mournfully  echoed  through  the  metropolis,  and  the 
surrounding  region,  -ind  announced  the  approach  of  a 
sleeping  hero  to  the  silent  cemetery.  When  the  vol- 
leys of  musketry  echoed  forth  the  last  token  of  respect 
to  the  sacred  reliques,  it  was  known  that  all  that  was 
mortal  of  Decatur  was  concealed  from  human  view, — 
that  bis  body  belonged  to  the  earth — his  exalted  and 
immortal  spirit  to  heaven,  and  his  character,  his  fame 
and  his  glory  to  his  country. 

During  these  solemn  and  impres«ive  ceremonies, 
Comm.  Barron  was  languishing  upon  bis  couch  with  the 
wound  received  at  the  moment  that  was,  which  carried 
Comm.  Decatur  to  the  tomb  ;  the  thunder  of  the  minute 
guns,  and  the  discharge  of  musketry  must  have  vibra- 
ted through  a  heart  tortured  to  agrmy.  His  destiny  »vas 
yet  uncertain — he  was  upon  the  verge  of  too  worlds, 
uncertain  to  which  the  next  hour  might  consign  him. 
He  remembered  that  the  living  Decatur  said  to  him  : — - 

"  I  HAVE  NOT  CHALLENGED,  NOR  DO  I  INTEND  TO  CHAL- 
LENGE YOIT YOUR  LIFE  DEPENDS  UPON  YOURSELF,  AND 

not  upon  me."  Can  there  be  a  pang  in  death  more 
excruciating  than  his  reflections  must  have  been  ?  He 
might  have  exclaimed  with  the  bard  : — 

"  O  !  Providence  extend  thy  care  to  me  ! 
For  Mature  sinks,  unequal  to  the  combat, 
And  weak  Philosophy  denies  her  succours." 

But  Comm.  Barron  still  survives  ;  and  survives  it  is 
confidently  hoped,  to  be  an  ornament  to  the  naval  ser- 
vice, and  a  living  witness  against  the  horrid,  the  ap- 
palling custom,  which  hurried  one  of  the  most  gallant 


296  LIFE  OF 

and  noble  spirits  into  eternity,  and  which  brought  him 
to  the  very  verge  of  it.  The  conflict  between  the  de- 
parted Decatur  and  the  surviving  Barron  was  no  com- 
mon affair  of  hsnour.  It  did  not  originate  in  the  per- 
sonal hostility  of  the  parties — it  was  in  the  cause  of  the 
American  Nayy  they  fought  each  other  ;  and  had  the 
noble  Decatur  instantly  died,  the  wounded  Barron 
would  have  exclaimed  in  a  faltering  voire  over  his 
bloody  and  mangled  corpse,  as  Monmouth  did  over 
Percy'' s  : 

"  Lie  there,  great  heart — the  earth  that  bean  thee  dead, 
Bears  not  alive,  so  high  a  gentleman." 

Decatur  is  dead — and  if  he  must  have  died  in  the 
midst  of  his  years  and  glory,  would  to  heaven  he  had 
fallen  upon  his  own  deck,  like  Lawrence,  Allen,  and 
Burrows  !  Then  might  we  exclaim  in  the  language  of 
a  bard  whose  genius  was  as  exalted  as  his  heroism  : — 

" Sampson  hath  quit  himself 

Like  Sampson  ;-— and  heroically  hath  finished 
A  life  heroic." 

The  course  of  his  life  points  out  a  brilliant  orb  for  the 
ocean- warriour  to  move  in — the  manner  of  his  death,  a 
destructive  vortex  to  shun.  Bit  living,  he  was  admir- 
ed— dying,  he  was  lamented,  and  his  memory  will  be 
cherished  in  fond  remembrance,  as  long  as  ardent  pat- 
riotism, fearless  courage  and  exalted  virtues,  shall 
receive  an  approving  sentence  in  the  human  heart. 

Hereafter,  when  the  sculptured  marble,  or  tho  tower- 
ing monument,  as  imperishable  as  Decatur's  fame, 
shall  point  to  the  place  where  he  rests  from  his  toils 
and  his  dangers,  the  traveller  will  linger  around  it  and 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  297 

exclaim — Do  we  admire  the  American  youth  who  de- 
votes his  early  years  to  the  acquisition  of  solid  science, 
and  polite  literature  ?  Such  was  Decatur  in  youth. 
Are  we  charmed  with  the  youthful  hero,  anxious  to 
emulate  the  gallant  deeds  of  noble  ancestors  ?  Such  a 
youth  was  Decatur.  Do  we  admire  the  man  who  rises 
above  effeminate  enjoyment,  and  meets  a  host  of  ene- 
mies in  foreign  climes  to  rescue  his  countrymen  from 
bondage  ?  Such  a  man  was  Decatur.  Are  we  en- 
raptured with  the  dauntless  heroism  of  a  warriour  who 
dared  to  meet  a  foe  whose  power  is  deemed  irresisti- 
ble ?  Such  Decatur  did.  Do  we  admire  the  judge 
who  dares  to  pronounce  a  sentence  which  may  endan- 
ger himself  ?  Such  a  judge  was  Decatur.  Are  we 
tortured  into  the  agony  of  grief  that  an  exalted  spirit 
should  fall  a  victim  to  the  delusive  phantom  of  false 
honour  ?  Alas !  Decatur  so  fell.  "  What  a  fall  was 
there,  my  countrymen  /" 

The  whole  character  of  the  subject  of  these  biograph- 
ical memoirs  may  be  summed  up  in  few  words. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR  was  created  and  constituted 
for  an  ocean- warriour.  His  whole  nature  was  pecu- 
liarly adapted  to  the  perilous  and  brilliant  sphere  of  ac- 
tion upon  the  watery  element.  That  is  the  expanded 
theatre  upon  which  he  was  designed  to  act  the  most 
important  parts,  and  shine  illustrious  in  the  most  tre- 
mendous scenes.  rJ  o  his  natural  adaptation  for  a  sea- 
man, he  added  all  the  auxiliary  aids  of  scientific  ac- 
quirement. He  first  made  himself  a  general  scholar- 
then  a  theoretical  navigator — then  a  practical  seaman. 
Before  his  nautical  skill,  the  rolling  and  convulsed 
oceaQ  lost  half  of  its  appalling  horrours  :  and  its  hi- 


298  LIFE    OF 

deems  tempests  seemed  to  become  subservient  to  his 
wishes. 

But  this  important  trait  in  his  character,  was  almost 
forgotten  in  his  more  brilliant  acquirement  of  naval 
tactics.  He  was  the  accomplished  naval  tactician. 
The  most  minute  branches  of  naval  science  never  es- 
caped his  attention,  and  the  most  important  ones  never 
exceeded  his  comprehension.  The  various  manceu- 
verings  of  a  ship  or  a  squadron,  were  as  familiar  with 
him,  as  the  evolutions  of  an  army  to  the  scientific  mili- 
tary officer  Whether  encountering  the  enemy  in  the 
humble  galley,  or  breasting  the  shock  of  battle  in  the 
majestic  snip,  he  bore  into  action  as  if  the  Genius  of 
Victory  hovered  over  him,  and  gave  him  conquest  in 
anticipation.  When  in  the  midst  of  an  engagement,  he 
fearlessly  and  undauntedly  soared  in  columns  of  tire  and 
smoke,  and  with  the  fury  and  velocity  of  lightning, 
charged  upon  the  astonished  foe.  His  own  personal 
safety  occupied  not  a  single  thought — his  fearless  soul 
was  engrossed  with  the  safety  of  his  crew  and  his  ship, 
and  the  destruction  of  the  enemy.  But  the  moment 
the  thundering  cannon  ceased  their  terrific  roaring,  and 
the  buttle- fray  was  ended,  he  was  changed  into  a  min- 
istering spirit  of  mercy.  Over  his  slain  enemy,  he 
dropped  a  tear— to  a  wounded  one  he  imparted  conso- 
lation— he  mingled  his  sighs  with  the  groans  of  the  dy- 
ing, and  rendered  every  honour  to  the  gallant  dead. 

Whether  encountering  an  overwhelming  host  of  fu- 
rious Turks,  equally  regardless  of  honourable  combat, 
and  thankless  tor  favours  after  they  wore  conquered — 
or  wresting  victory  from  a  more  magnanimous  and  skili- 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  299 

ful  foe,  he  was  ever  the  same — Terrible  and  fearless 
in  battle — Mild  and  humane  in  victory. 

As  a  Naval  Officer  he  was  as  perfect  a  model,  as  the 
world  afforded.     To  his  superiours  in  rank  he  was  res- 
pectful— to  his  equals  generous  and  affectionate — to  his 
inferiours  mild,   humane,  and  condescending — he  was 
the  seaman's  friend.     As   a  disciplinarian,    he  never 
spared   himself,  nor  would   he  permit  any  under  his' 
command  to  be  spared  :  but  he  had  the  peculiar  felici- 
ty of  rendering  the  severest  duty  the  highest  pleasure. 
He  governed  his  men  more  by  the  respect  and  love  he 
secured  from  them,  than  by  the  exertion  of  the  power 
with  which  he  was  clothed.     He  infused  into  the  bo- 
soms of  his  officers  and  seamen,  the  noble  and  patriot- 
ic ardour  which  inspired  his  own  exalted  heart.     They 
would  follow  him  wherever  he  led,  and  would  lead 
wherever  he  ordered.     They  were  as  true  to  him  as 
their  souls  were   to  their  bodies  ;    and  would  suffer 
them  to  be  separated  before  they  would  desert  him  in 
the  hour  of  peril.     When  designated  as  a  judge  of  the 
merits  or  demerits  of  his  brethren  in  the  naval  service, 
his  philanthropy  led  him  to  give  full  credit  to  their  vir- 
tues in  exalted  or  bumble  stations,  while  his  stern  in- 
tegrity made  him  a  dignified  censor  over  their  errors. 

But  however  high  he  stood  in  his  profession  as  a  na- 
val commander,  it  was  in  the  mild  and  captivating  scenes 
of  peace,  where  he  shone  with  unclouded  lustre.  His 
heart  was  the  temple  of  benevolence — his  mind  was 
refined  by  literature  and  science — his  deportment  was 
that  of  the  polished  gentleman. 

In  his  person,  he  was  a  little  above  the  middling 
height,  and  rather  delicately  though  elegantly  formed. 


300  LIFE  OF 

His  countenance  was  all  expression.  His  eye  discov- 
ered that  inquietude  which  indicates  an  ardent  mind  ; 
and  although  it  beamed  with  benignity,  it  evinced  an 
impatience  for  action.  While  his  manly  and  dignified 
virtues  commanded  respect,  the  suavity  of  his  manners 
invited  to  familiarity.  His  high  sense  of  honour  for- 
bade him  to  inflict  a  wound  upon  others ;  and,  with 
the  majesty  of  virtue,  to  repel  with  indignation,  the 
most  remote  suspicion  of  his  own  honour. 

But  his  love  of  country  was  his  crowning  glory.     His 
whole  life  was  a  commentary  upon  the  noble  sentiment 
of  his  noble  ancestor. 
•  Our  Children  are  the  Property  of  our  Country:' 

For  his  country  he  lived — for  his  country  he  fought 
— his  countrymen  will  cherish  and  admire  his  memory, 
until  the  name  of  his  country  itself  shall  be  extinguish 
ed  in  the  final  consummation  of  all  things. 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  301 

[The  splendid  "  Naval  Victories"  achieved  by  Americans  over 
Britons,  in  the  second  war  between  the  American  Republic 
and  the  British  Empire,  occasioned  a  great  variety  of  "  Nau- 
tical Songs,"  calculated  for  almost  every  variety  of  taste. 
None  of  the  Naval  Heroes  called  forth  the  effusions  of  the 
Muse  with  more  rapture  than  Stephen  Decatur.  The 
following  production,  except  the  3rd  verse,  appeared  soon 
after  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian.  The  elegant  author* 
will  excuse  one  prosaic  verse  for  being  introduced  amongst 
his  highly  poetical  ones.] 

Tune — "  To  Anacreon  in  Heaven" 

I.  To  the  Court  of  Old  Neptune,  the  god  of  the  sea, 
The  sons  of  Columbia  sent  a  petition, 
.That  he  their  protector  and  patron  would  be  ; 
When  this  answer  arriv'd  free  from  terms  or  condition  : 
"  Repair  to  the  sea  ; 
**  You  conq'rors  shall  be  ; 
"  And  proclaim  to  the  world  that  Columbia  is  free  :    ; 
"  Beside,  my  proud  trident  DECATUR  shall  bear, 
And  the  laurels  of  Victory  triumphantly  wear  I" 


(< 


II.  The  Tritons  arose  from  their  watery  bed, 
And  sounding  their  trumpets,  tEoIus  attended  ; 
Who  summon'd  his  Zephyrs,  and  to  them  he  said, 
"  Old  Neptune  Columbia's  cause  has  befriended. 

"  As  the  world  you  explore, 

"  And  revisit  each  shore, 
"  To  all  nations  proclaim  the  glad  sound  evermore  , 
"  That  DECATUR  old  Neptune's  proud,  trident  shall 

bear, 
"  And  the  laurels  of  VictVy  triumphantly  wear  |" 

*  J.  R.  Calvert,  Esq. 
2fi 


302  LIFE  OF 

III.  In  that  sea  where   the  Crescent  long  proudly  had 
wav'd, 

The  sons  of  Mahomet  the  Christians  enslaved  ; 

There   DECATUR    repair'd,   and   the   Turk  fiercely 

brav'd, 
And  there  from  dire  bondage  the  Christian  he  saved. 

The  Crescent  soon  bow'd, 

'Fore  his  thunder  so  loud, 
And  his  light'ning,  resistless,  dispell'd  the  dark  cloud 
Which  Allah's  disciples  and  demons  had  spread. 
The  terror  of  man— now  no  longer  the  dread. 

IV.  The  Naiads,  in  chariots  of  coral  so  bright, 
Skim'd  swiftly  the  wide,  liquid  plane,  quite  enchanted  i 
Soon  the  proud  Macedonian  gladden'd  their  sight, 
And  DECATUR  advancing,  with  courage  undaunted ; 

They  saw  with  a  smile, 

The  fast-anchor'd  Isle, 
Resigning  the  laurels  obtain'd  at  the  Nile  ! 
And  When  Victory  crown'd  brave  Columbia's  cause, 
The  Trumpet  of  Fame  shook  the  world  with  applause. 

Y.  Dame  Amphitrite  flew  to  the  Archives  above, 
To  see  the  great  mandate  of  Neptune  recorded, 
When  tracing  the  records  of  Lybian  Jove, 
To  find  where  renown  to  brave  deeds  was  awarded  ; 

There  WASHINGTON  S  name, 

Recorded  by  Fame, 
Resplendent  as  light,  to  her  view  quickly  came  ! 
In  raptures  she  cries,  "  Here  DECATUR  I'll  place, 
On  the  page  which  the  deeds  of  brave  WASHINGTON 
grace !" 


STEPHEN    DECATUR.  303 

[The  lamented  and  deplored  death  of  Comm.  Decatur,  called 
forth  numerous  effusions  of  the  pathetic  and  elegiac  muse. 
The  brilliant  imagination  and  harmonious  numbers  of  the  fol- 
lowing irregular  ode,  induces  the  writer  to  insert  it  in  the  con- 
clusion of  these  memoirs.  The  reader  will  recollect  that  the 
eminence  in  the  vicinity  of  the  metropolis,  called  Kalorama, 
was  the  residence  of  the  great  Epic  Poet  of  America,  Joel 
Barlow — that  he  died  in  France  when  Ambassador — and 
that  the  body  of  Decatur  was  deposited  in  his  family  tomb,] 

Methought  I  stood  on  K  dorama's  height. 

Reclining,  pensive,  on  Decatnr's  tomb, 
When,  lo  !  a  form,  divinely  bright, 

Celestial  glories  beaming  in  her  face, 
Descends,  while  floods  of  light  the  dreary  place  illume  ! 

And  thus  addressed  me,  with  a  heavenly  grace  : — 
"  Say,  youthful  bard,  whose  humble  name 
Has  never  graced  the  rolls  of  Fame, 
What  brought  thee  to  this  sacred  place, 
And  why  the  tear  that  trickles  down  thy  face  ? 
Say,  hast  thou  sought  these  peaceful  shades 
To  woo  the  Iov'd  Aonian  maids, 
Where,  favored  by  the  tunef  il  nine, 

His  lyre  great  Barlow  strung, 
And,  with  an  energy  divine, 

Immortal  epics  sung  ? 
Alas  !  he  sleeps  upon  a  foreign  shore — 
The  muses  his  sad  fate  deplore — 
His  lyre,  that  once  so  sweetly  breath'd 
But  now  with  mournful  cypress  wreath'd 
For  ever  slumbers,  and  is  heard  no  more  : 


304  LIFE    OF 

Yet,  mortal  !  know  my  name  is  Fame  ; 
And  to  the  world  his  merits  I  proclaim  ! 

Or  still  more  pious,  hast  thou  come 
To  weep  o'er  brave  Decatur's  tomb  ? 
And  dost  thou  shed  the  feeling  tear 
O'er  his  reh'ques  that  slumber  here  ?" 
'Tis  true,  said  I  ;   I  here  deplore 
The  gallant  hero,  now  no  more  ; 
Who,  like  a  youthful  Hercules, 
Subdued  his  savage  enemies  ! 
And  who,  at  a  maturer  age, 
Encounter'd  Britain's  hostile  rage  ; 
And  dared  with  more  than  equal  foes  contend— 
White  Victory  and  Fame  his  glorious  course  attend — 
And  whose  dread  cannon  shook  Barbaria's  shore, 
While  Algiers  trembl'd  at  the  thund'ring  roar. 
Alas  !  he  slumbers  with  the  dead  ; 
The  light'ningof  his  eye  is  gone! 
And  cypress  wreaths  entwine  around  that  head. 
Where  Glory  her  bright  hallo  shed  ; 
And  darkness  hovers  o'er  that  face 

Which  beam'd  with  every  social  grace- — 
Where  manly  courage  shone. 
Nor  does  the  muse  alone 
Decatur's  fate  bemoan  ; 
But  floods  of  sympathetic  tears  are  shed  : 
Columbia  mourns  her  hero  dead, 
With  weeping  eyes,  and  with  dejected  head  ; 
And  sable  clouds  of  wo  the  nation  overspread. 
Scarce  had  I  eeas'd,  when  thus  the  power  again  ; — 
"  No  more  indulge  thy  pensive  strain, 


STEPHEN  DECATUR.  30& 

Thy  grief  is  useless,  and  thy  sorrows  vain — 
Rise,  and  behold  his  triumphs  o'er  the  main !" 
When  on  a  craggy  ro<  k  1  stood, 

Which  overhung  ihe  ocean-shore, 
Beheld  the  tumult  of  the  flood, 

And  heard  the  surges  roar.    . 
I  saw  two  warlike  ships  engage, 
With  hostile  fury  and  destructive  rage  ; 
And  heard  the  cannon's  thundering  roar 
Reverberate    through  rocks,  and  roll  along  the 

shore  ; 
'Midst  clouds  of  smoke  the  starry  flag  was  seen, 
Wiving  in  triumph,  o'er  the  dreadful  scene  ; 
While,  shining  through  the  battle's  storm, 
I  saw  the  brave  DECATUR'S  form  ; 
His  arm,  like  lightning,  dealt  the  fatal  blow, 
And  hurl'd  Columbia's  thunders  on  the  foe  ! 
The  battle's  din  no  more  is  heard — 
The  scene  of  sorrow  disappear'd. 
When,  lo  !  again  my  wondering  eyes 
Saw  Fame's  bright  goddess  glittering  in  the  skies  .: 
I  heard  her  golden  trump  resound 

With  an  immortal  strain, 
While  bursts  of  glory  flash'd  around, 

And  brighten'd  all  the  main  : 
"  Hear,  mortal,  hear  !  the  wonders  thou  has  seen 

Give  but  a  glimpse  of  his  immortal  fame  ; 
I  might  display  a  more  expanded  scene, 

And  with  new  glories  grace  Decatur's  name  ! 
But  thou  couldst  not  endure  the  dazzling  sight— 
For  how  can  mortal  eyes  sustain  such  heavenly 


light  ?" 


.26.* 


306  LIFE    OF 

Bit  hark  !  I  hear   a  louder  sound, 

Like  peals*  of  th  inder,  bursting  on  my  ear  \ 

While  all  the  listening  nations  round, 

The  immortal  praises  of  DECATUR  hear  ! 


STEPHEN 

DECATUR. 

311 

Fr gates. 

Jones 

18 

Constitution 

44 

Madison 

18 

United  States 

44 

L    lisiana 

18 

Gurriere 

44 

Niagara 

18 

Java 

44 

Linnet 

16 

Superior 

44 

ylph 

16 

Owe  building  at  Wash- 

Ticonderoga 

14 

Uigton 

44 

Oneida 

14 

Constellation 

36 

Q  leeri  Charlotte 

14 

Congress 

36 

R  mger 

14 

Macedonian 

36 

E  t  rprise 

12 

Con  fiance 

32 

Spark 

12 

Mohawk 

"SI 

Eagle 

12 

Cvane 

23 

Nonsuch 

6 

John  Ada^s,  corvette 

24 

Surprise 

6 

General  Pike,     do. 

24 

Lynx 

5 

Saratoga 

22 

Hornet 

5 

Steam  Frigate  Fulton, 

Fox 

4 

at  New-York 

Despatch 

2 

Sloops  of  Wa7',  <§*<\ 

Ghent 

1 

Lawrence 

20 

Lady  of  the  Lake 

1 

Erie 

18 

Porcupine 

1 

Peacock 

18 

Alert 

none 

Ontario 

18 

Corporation 

— « 

Hornet 

18 

Bombs — jfEtna,  Vesuvius, 

Detroit 

18 

and  Vengeance. 

Jefferson 

18 

POSTSCRIPT. 


From  that  inadvertence  which  often  occurs  to  the 
writer  of  an  original  work,  composed  of  a  great  diversi- 
ty of  facts  and  incidents,  it  was  stated  in  the  sixth 
chapter  of  this  volume,  that  Lieut.  Decatur  returned 
to  America  in  the  frigate  New-York,  as  1st  Lieutenant. 
The  fact  was  not  so. 

While  the  American  squadron  rendezvoused  at  the 
island  of  Malta,  an  altercation  arose  between  the  officers 
of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  and  of  the  American  squad- 
ron.    Amongst   other   consequences  flowing  from  it, 


312      LIFE  OP  STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

it  occasioned  the  death  of  a  British  officer.  The  gov- 
ernment of  the  island  interposed  its  authority  ;  and  it 
was  found  expedient  for  all  the  Americans  concerned 
in  the  affair,  to  return  to  America.  First  Lieut.  De- 
catur, of  the  frigate  New- York,  therefore,  returned  as 
a  passenger  in  the  frigate  Chesapeake. 

Conclusive  evidence  is  furnished  of  the  propriety  of 
Comm.  Decatur's  concern  in  that  "  Affair"  by  the  fact 
that  he  was  shortly  afterwards  placed  in  the  command 
of  the  Argus,  the  first  armed  ship  in  which  he  was 
first  in  command.  In  that  stip,  he  soon  after  returned 
to  the  Mediterranean — took  command  of  the  Enter- 
prize,  and  went  on  "  conquering  and  to  conquer"  un- 
til the  Genius  of  Victory  claimed  him  as  her  favorite 
son. 

The  unhappy  controversy   between   Comm.    Perry 
and   Capt.    Heath,  is  known  to  every  reader,  and  by 
every  reader  who   considers   the   Navy  as  the  grand 
pillar  of  the  American  Republic,  most  sincerely  lamen- 
ted.    The   reason  for  alluding  to    it  in  this   place  is, 
because  it  was  omitted  in  the  proper  place  in  the  pre- 
ceding volume.     Com  n.  Decatur,  in  this  controversy, 
evinced   the   exalted    sentiments    cf  his   noble  heart. 
Perry  and  Heath  could  not  be  reconciled  without  an 
"  appeal    to  arms."     A  "  meeting"   was  agreed  upon, 
on  the  "  field  of  Honour."     Comtn.  Decatur  was  se- 
lected by  Perry  as  his   second;  a  term  sometimes  de- 
nominated, friend.     Comm.  Decatur  felt   as  if  Perry 
was  the  original   aggressor,  however   much  he   might 
have  disapproved  of  the    unrelenting   and   vindictive 
spirit  of  heath       By  his  persuasion,   Perry  concluded 
to  receive  the  fire  of  his  antagonist,  and  reserve  his  own. 
Heath's  fire  did  not  take  effert.     The  noble,  the  anx- 
ious Decitur  then  approached  the  combatant,  and  non- 
combatant  ;  and,  in  the  sublime  character  of  a  ,l  Peace 
Maker,"  effected  a  reconciliation.     Little  do  those  who 
tauntingly  exclaim — '    Decatur  died  as  the  fool  dieth" 
know  the  native,  and  practical  troodness  of  his    heart. 
To  he  sure  be  closed  his  invaluable  life  in   single  com- 
bat— a   combat  which   he   did  not  peek,  hut  which  his 
exalted  sense  of  honour  forbade  him  to  avoid. 


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